Illuminated Manuscript Leaf From Genesis: Joseph’s Story (c. 1250)
LEAF FROM A 13TH CENTURY BIBLE CONTAINING STORY OF JOSEPH.
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 script in dark brown ink. Large initial P (verso).
The text spans Genesis 42-44. In this portion of Genesis,Joseph tests his brothers during the famine, culminating in Judah’s offer to sacrifice himself for Benjamin.
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: c.1250. Small hole in upper margin edge not impacting text. A bright and clean leaf in excellent condition.
Price: $875 .