AN ILLUMINATED VELLUM MANUSCRIPT LEAF WITH A SIX-LINE HISTORIATED INITIAL, FROM AN EARLY BIBLE IN LATIN.

TEXT FROM THE OPENING OF II PARALIPOMENON.

(13th century). 184 x 127 mm (7 1/4 x 5"). Double column, 54 lines of text, in a very fine, very small gothic book hand.

Rubrics in red, capitals struck with red, headings and chapter numeral in red and blue, verso with two two-line initials in red or blue with contrasting penwork tendrils extending three-quarters of the length of each column, recto WITH AN APPEALING SIX-LINE HISTORIATED INITIAL "C" DEPICTING KING SOLOMON WITH HIS SWORD, the figure on a burnished gold background delicately embellished with white scrollwork, the initial executed in pink and blue with white tracery. One tiny fore-edge tear, fore margin of verso with one-inch square glue stain from older repair to one-eighth-inch hole, the initial with miniscule loss of gilt just at the top of the king's head, otherwise in fine condition, the leaf generally clean, fresh, and bright, the initial detailed and attractive, and the margins very generous.

This excerpt from what is called in the Protestant canon the Second Book of Chronicles tells of King Solomon's plans to build a temple using the finest materials obtainable. The wise king appears in our initial sitting before a wall painted in gold and patterned with scrolling vines, a design feature common to many historiated initials, but also (perhaps not coincidentally) indicative of his great wealth. In the first chapter of this book, Solomon asks the Lord only for wisdom, and so appropriately he is shown here holding the sword of justice, the massive blade resting against his shoulder. The king is clothed in the same rose and dark blue colors used for the encircling initial, his rose cloak draped over one shoulder. The bearded face, shown in three-quarter view, wears a solemn, thoughtful expression which the artist has skillfully suggested with a few sensitive lines. In addition to its attractive decoration, our leaf has the bonus of noticeably ample margins, an uncommon luxury in portable Bibles such as this one (see next item for more on portable or "pocket" Bibles). (CBM1010)