Magnificently illuminated manuscript on vellum
Northern France, in 1300
Fine, gothic Textura in brown ink
Posted in Latin
Rubricated in red
Red and Blue Chapter Initials
Three large initials alternately in red and blue with long tendril extendings
Two columns, 55 lines, regle
Sheet size: 24 x 15.4 cm
In fine to very fine condition

This stunning and magnificent illuminated manuscript originated in northern France around 1300. Manuscripts before 1200 are quite rare around the world, since the written word didn’t mean a lot. Due to the emergence of the universities in the early 13th century knowledge was no longer confined to monasteries. Thus, the manuscripts and handwritten books have increased and began to spread. Without a doubt, the Latin Bible was the most famous book of the Middle Ages. Bibles were written at this time almost exclusively by monks. A few originated in master workshops on behalf of well-heeled aristocrats and religious dignitaries. The small number of such Bibles at this time was also due to the fact that these were written exclusively in Latin, and for this reason alone the dissemination of writings had their limits.



The manuscript is in fine to very fine condition for the old age of over 700 years. It is minimally discolored in the margins and the leaf is slightly creased due to the vellum. There is a spot on the upper right corner due to the material condition. Sheet size: 24 x 15.4 cm; written script: 16 x 11 cm.