Original leaf from a medieval manuscript pocket Bible. Latin gothic minuscule script, hand-written in brown ink, on animal vellum. (153 x 108mm – 6 x 4’’)
Three multi-line illuminated initials in red extending past the length of the text in blue and red penwork; one-illuminated chapter number with intricate red and blue penwork extending along the margin. 50 lines of text in double columns (11 lines per inch!).
One three-line illuminated initial in pink with delicate white penwork, and an interior of red, blue and burnished gold, all on a deep blue ground. One multi-line historiated initial “P” containing an intricate miniature painting of St. Paul holding his attribute the sword extending down the margin with a fabulous whimsical lion climbing up the initial!
Produced in France (Paris) circa 1240-55.
Related to the Dominican Painter & Associates workshop (reference Branner).
The text concludes Galatians 5:7 – 6:18: “Currebatis…” (You did run well, who hath hindered you, that you should not obey the truth…All the law is fulfilled in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself…).
The four-line illuminated “E” begins the Prologue to Ephesians: “Ephesii…” (The Ephesians are Asians. They persisted in the faith after the word of truth was accepted. The apostle praises them, writing to them from the city of Rome, from prison, through Tychicus the deacon).
The historiated “P” begins Ephesians 1:1 – 3:14: “Paulus...” (Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ…For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God; Not of works, that no man can glory…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
