Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 1

"The Bible That Is, the Holy Scriptures Contained in the Old & New Testament",

Subject: Title Pages

Period: 1610 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
8 x 11.8 inches
20.3 x 30 cm
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This title page is from an early 17th-century edition of the Geneva Bible, popularly known as the Breeches Bible, Elizabethan Family Bible, or Pilgrim’s Bible. The Geneva Bible was first published in 1560 in Switzerland by refugees who fled England during the reign of the Roman Catholic Queen BloodyMary. Publication returned to England when Protestant-friendly Queen Elizabeth took the throne. It is one of the most significant Protestant translations of Scripture prior to the King James. This title page is from an edition published by Robert Barker, and features two pillars decorated by 24 medallions representing various personages in the bible. The pillars are surrounded by grapevines and biblical scenes, including Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and Moses and the Ten Commandments.

References:

Condition: B

Watermarked paper with some minor creasing in corners. Remargined at right and bottom with small loss of image at bottom. There is faint manuscript writing in title cartouche including the date 1611.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $150

Closed on 5/23/2012

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