Sotheby’s Masters Week: it begins on February 4^th –

 

The first week of February is a major event for Sotheby’s, especially for high-end manuscripts and historical documents. Here is one of the heavy hitters scheduled for February 5, 2026.

 

It's offered in New York. While there are several art-focused auctions, the “main character” for document and paper collectors is a massive manuscript considered one of the most important Jewish cultural treasures to come to the market in recent decades.

 

It's a Hebrew manuscript from the 15^th century.

 

The Crown Jewel: The Rothschild Vienna Mahzor. It is a rare, luminous medieval manuscript from the 15^th century.

 

            It's estimate: $5,000,000 - $7,000,000

 

Significance: It is one of the most magnificent Askenazic illuminated manuscripts in private hands with incredible provenance. It was completed in Vienna on February 22, 1415 , by the scribe Moses son of Menachem.

 

Its artistic style follows the Lake Constance school (southern Germany/Austria/Switzerland). It features burnished gold panels, Gothic archways, and "animated creatures" (like a winged horse and dragons) in vibrant lapis blue, copper green and cinnabar red pigments.

 

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/the-rothschild-vienna-mahzor?lotFilter=AllLots

 

Sale Time: 2:00 PM EST, February 5^th

 

Highlight: Rembrandt’s Young Lion Resting. This is the only animal drawing by Rembrandt still in private hands and is expected to fetch between $15M and $20M.

 

The same day they are also offering their 19^th & 20^th Century European Art auction featuring modern works on paper. This event begins at 2:30pm. While the previous auctions that day focus on medieval manuscripts and Old Masters, this sale bridges the gap to the medern era, featuring 53 lots with total pre-sale estimates of $6.7M - $9.53M

 

Here’s a link to it: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/19th-century-european-art?lotFilter=AllLots

 

The 2026 season is off to a fast start!