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. Seven hand-illuminated initials alternating in blue with intricate red penwork, and red with intricate blue penwork.
The two-line illuminated ‘’T’’ begins II Timothy 4 : 1-22 : ‘’I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming, and his kingdom. Preach the word : be instant in season, out of season : reprove, entreat, rebuke all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine ; but according to their own desires they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears : and will indeed turn away their hearts from the truth, but will be turned unto fables…).
The large illuminated ‘’P’’ begins the Book of Titus (complete) : ‘’Paulus servus…’’ (Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God…).
The next large illuminated ‘’P’’ begins Philemon 1 : 1-25 ‘’Paulus…’’ (Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother : to Philemon, our beloved and fellow laborer…).
Presented in an archival 16 x 12'' mat
