Original leaf from an English manuscript pocket Bible. Written in Latin in minute gothic book-hand script, in brown ink on animal vellum. (214 x 145mm).
Rubricated chapter numbers, initials & marginalia in red & blue. 49 lines of text in double columns (9 lines per inch!). Seven multi-lined illuminated initials in red and blue with delicate penwork extending into the margins; numerous one-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue and red. Produced by an artist working within the circle of William de Brailes. Oxford, England, c. 1230-50.
This leaf begins Psalms 13 - 17 (King James 14-18) complete: ''Dixit...'' (The fool hath said in his heart: There is no God); ''Domine...'' (Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle...); ''Conserva...'' (Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee...); ''Exaudi...'' (Hear, O Lord, my justice...); ''Diligam...'' (I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, & my deliverer...); Psalm 18 (KJ 19) 1-15 (almost complete): ''Celi...'' (The heavens show forth the glory of God...).
Provenance: Ex-collection Otto Ege (1888-1951). Dean of the Cleveland Institute of Art and Lecturer on History of the Book at Western Reserve University and Northwestern University. Ege increased awareness of the history of the book through the dissemination of individual pages to schools, libraries, calligraphers and printers.
This ''portable'' Bible leaf from the Crusades period would have been used in the abstract study of theology or the preaching of the Gospel around the medieval countryside.
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.
