Catalog Archive
Auction 97, Lot 545

"[Illuminated Leaf]", Anon.

Subject: Medieval Manuscripts

Period: 1450 (circa)

Publication:

Color:

Size:
4.8 x 7 inches
12.2 x 17.8 cm
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A very thin piece of vellum, made from the skin of a young animal that grazed the hills of Normandy more than 500 years ago. In the margins tiny pin holes are visible that were used by the scribes to perfectly align the text. The text is a collection of Bible verses, most likely from a Breviary, including Job 1 : 22 and Isaiah 62 : 6. The two columns of text are written in a slightly irregular bookhand, in brown ink, with red and blue penwork around the initials. This leaf is a fine example of the difference between the "hair side" and the "flesh side" of the vellum. On the "hair side" the follicles of the animal hair are visible and the sheet is slightly darker, while the other side is much smoother and whiter.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $150 - $200

Sold for: $100

Closed on 12/5/2001

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