1480 Incunabula Leaf - Complete book of Obadiah

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An original incunabula leaf from Biblia Latina, printed in Venice, Italy 1480 by Francis Renner of Heilbronn.  Bibliographical references: Goff B-681; GKW 4241  (208 x 160mm – 8 1/8 x 6 1/4’’ – Text block: 6 ½ x 4 ½ ’).

Printed in double columns of 51 lines on fine laid paper and embellished with four multi-line illuminated initials alternating in red and blue with delicate red and blue penwork extending into the margins; two three-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and red.  Numerous initials heightened with red.

The text continues Amos 8:5 – 9:15: “Quando transibit…” (When will the month be over, and we shall sell our wares…). The elaborate illuminated “V” opens the Complete Book of Obadiah: “Vissio Abdie…” (The vision of Abdias. Thus saith the Lord God to Edom: We have heard a rumor from the Lord, and he hath sent an ambassador to the nations: Arize, and let us rise up to battle against him. Behold I have made thee small among the nations: thou art exceeding contemptible. The pride of thy heart hath lifted thee up, who dwellest in the clefts of the rocks, and settest up thy throne on high: who sayest in thy heart: Who shall bring me down to the ground? Thou thou be exalted as an eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars: thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord…).

A most unusual and rare leaf, serendipitously including the entire text of a book of the Bible!  The text is a very early printing of the Bible (only 25 years after Gutenberg), and all the initials were illuminated by hand. Slight staining, but in overall nice antiquarian condition.

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-13300
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