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 10 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, hand-written in brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubricated chapter numbers in red and blue. Three multi-line illuminated initials alternating in red and deep blue with elaborate red and blue penwork extending along the margin. 50 lines of text in double columns (10 lines per inch!).
Line one begins part of Isaiah 59:16 – 63:19: “Et salvabit sibi…” (And his own arm brought salvation to him, and his own justice supported him….And there shall come a redeemer to Sion, and to them that return from iniquity in Jacob, saith the Lord….Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee…I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation…Behold thy Savior cometh: behold his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, the redeemed of the Lord…).
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.
