1479 Printed & hand-illuminated Jenson Bible Leaf - Proverbs

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Original incunabula leaf from the very scarce Bible in Latin (Biblia Latina) printed by Nicolaus Jenson in Venice in 1479.(330 x 230mm – 13 x 9’’) 

“Nicolaus Jenson, a Frenchman, printed at Venice very many books famous for the beauty of their typography” (Reference: Darlow and Moule #6083). This leaf is from the second edition of Jenson’s Latin Bible, and only the fourth Bible printed in Venice. This extremely early printed leaf consists of text finely executed in two columns with 51 lines per column.

Five hand-illuminated initials alternating in blue with intricate red penwork, and red with intricate blue penwork.

The two-line illuminated ‘’M’’ begins Proverbs 19 :1 – 23 :20 : “Melior…” (Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips, and unwise…He that followeth after words only, shall have nothing. But he that possesseth a mind, loveth his own soul, and he that keepeth prudence shall find good things…The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made them both…Meddle not with him that revealeth secrets, and walketh deceitfully, and openeth wide lips…The joy of young men is their strength: and the dignity of old men, their grey hairs…He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life, justice and glory…Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die…).

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-12797
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