Bible, Italy, 13th Century

Bible -- Illustrations; Illumination of books and manuscripts, Medieval -- Italy; Illumination of books and manuscripts, Italian

This leaf from an illuminated Bible shows the extreme delicacy and elegant artistry required of the scribe in designing the manuscript initial. Though the color choice of red and blue is simple, the initial V is adorned by intricate penwork flourishes extending far into the margins. This initial marks the beginning of the Book of Leviticus. Small roman numerals in the margin show how the scribe carefully plotted his work to fall at certain lines; each letter is clear and precise, even at nine lines to the inch. The script is miniscule Angular Gothic. Text shown is Exodus, Chapters 39-40, and Leviticus I.

Unknown

18.5 x 12 cm. Verso gutter bears number in pencil with some digits indistinguishable or missing: X5-100-5X.

1250-1400

Central Washington University, Special Collections

Definite match to leaf #11 of Otto F. Ege Collection of Fifty Original Leaves from Medieval Manuscripts

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Latin

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