Illuminated Manuscript Leaf: The Story of Moses from Exodus Chapter II (c. 1250)
"Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him." Exodus 2:3-4
"I am who I am" Exodus 3:14
LEAF FROM A 13TH CENTURY BIBLE CONTAINING THE STORY OF MOSES FROM EXODUS.
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. Three large initials in alternating red and blue . The 2 line initial "E" (recto) marks the beginning of Exodus, Chapter two; the 2 line initial "M" (verso) is the beginning of chapter three; the 2 line initial "R" (verso) is the beginning of chapter four. Delicate extensions from initials in blue, pink, and gold, with red rubrications.
The text begins with Exodus, chapter one and continues to contain all of chapters two and three and the beginning of chapter four.
This passage includes the birth and rescue of Moses (chapter 2) and God appearing to Moses in the burning bush (chapter 3).
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. Closely cropped top. Minor stray spots of browning in margins.
Price: $875 .