Illuminated Manuscript Leaf: Jacob Reunited with Joseph (c. 1250)
He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.” --Genesis 48:19.
LEAF FROM A 13TH CENTURY BIBLE CONTAINING JACOB'S REUNION WITH JOSEPH THROUGH THE BLESSING OF JACOB'S SONS.
Illuminated manuscript leaf on vellum from a Bible in Latin. Northern France, likely Paris, c. 1250. Written in two columns of forty-five lines, in a fine Gothic pearl script in dark brown ink. Large initial (verso) marks the beginning of Genesis chapter 48.
The text begins with Genesis 46 and continues through 48.
This passage recounts Jacob's arrival in Egypt, Joseph's management of the famine, and Jacob's blessing of his sons Ephraim and Manasseh.
The fine Gothic pearl script, precise ruling, and rich illumination are characteristic of Parisian Bible production during the height of manuscript refinement in the mid-13th century. These portable Bibles were widely produced for university and ecclesiastical use.
Size: 124 x 84 mm (4.9 x 3.3 inches); written area: 96 x 64 mm (3.8 x 2.5 inches)
Likely Paris: 1250. Slight browning to outer edge. Closely cropped top. Otherwise a clean, bright leaf.
Price: $875 .