A lovely original leaf from a medieval manuscript pocket Bible, written in Paris c. 1240-50. Presented in a leather bound leaf book with a six-page essay by Bruce Ferrini. Limited edition number 9 of 1000; Published in Akron, Ohio, 1994. Leaf size: 185 x 127mm – 7 ¼ x 5 inches – Book size: 230x158mm – 9 x 6.25 inches.
An attractive and historical medieval Bible leaf in nice condition, handsomely presented. The binding was custom made in full stamped leather in medieval style by Pat Bruno, Bookbinder of Sacramento CA.
This leaf is written in Latin gothic micro-minuscule script in brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubricated chapter numbers in red and blue. One multi-line illuminated initial deep blue with elaborate red and blue penwork extending along the margin. 50 lines of text in double columns (10 lines per inch!).
France (Paris), circa 1240-50.
Line one begins part of Jeremiah 31:2 – 32:29: “dicit dominus…” (Saith the Lord: The people that were left and escaped from the sword, found grace in the desert: Israel shall go to his rest. The Lord hath appeared from afar to me. Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore have I drawn thee, taking pity on thee. And I will build thee again, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy timbrels, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry…This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my law in their bowels, and I will write it in their heart: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people…).
This leaf, from a “portable” Bible during the period of the Crusades, would have been used in the abstract study of theology or the preaching of the Gospel around the medieval countryside.
