Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 734

"[Illuminated Leaf]", Anon.

1 of 2

Subject: Medieval Manuscripts

Period: 1250 (circa)

Publication:

Color:

Size:
3.5 x 5.4 inches
8.9 x 13.7 cm
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This is a near perfect vellum leaf from a tiny Bible. Written over 700 years ago, probably in Paris, which was the production center for pocket-sized Bibles in the Middle Ages. The thin vellum, known as uterine, is characteristic of Bibles from the 13th century. It was necessary in order to fit the whole Bible into a single portable book. The microscopic writing is in two columns, the convention still used for modern Bibles. This leaf is from the Book Ecclesiasticus, chapters VI and VII. The capital letters at the beginning of each chapter are embellished with fine penwork in red and blue.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $350 - $400

Sold for: $250

Closed on 12/1/2010

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