1240 Illuminated Medieval Bible Leaf Exquisite Miniature Daniel In Lion ' S Den
Item History & Price
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for a detailed view.This is a leaf from a medieval manuscript Bible; Paris, France - circa 1250; in Latin and on Vellum (198 x l35mm). There are two columns of text with fifty-six lines of Gothic Textualis script, Book Headings, Chapter Numbers in red and blue ink. The leaf contains the end of Jerome's prologue to Daniel and the beginning of Daniel. A large ten-line capital "A" is in a brilliant burnished gold background and is finished in blues, white and... pink. Inside the cavity of the initial is a miniature of Daniel in the lion's den. In this story, Daniel refuses to stop praying to God even though an edict prohibiting prayer to anyone but the king is being enforced. Consequently, Daniel suffers the punishment of being thrown into a den of ravenous lions. God protects Daniel by closing the mouths of the lions. The illuminator depicts this moment by showing Daniel in the pit embracing two tight lipped, rather docile lions. A dragon peeks around the edge of the initial towards the viewer. This miniature encapsulates the theme of God's care for his people. To the left of the initial is a very faint sketch in lead suggesting the general composition to be rendered. The verso fifty-six lines of double Gothic Textualis script, Book Headings, Chapter Numbers in red and blue ink. There is a flourished initial "I", in blue with pen work in red ink. This is a scarce leaf and will be appreciated by all. Condition of this leaf is fine [F]. What makes this leaf truly unique is the graphite sketch to the left of the initial "A" in the margin. Was it the Master Illuminator who made the sketch to instruct his apprent or were they notes to himself? Or, did the illuminator first practice his subject before applying the gold leaf? Fascinating questions.A Great Gift For Any Manuscript Collector We Now Accept PayPal! We Ship Worldwide. Please Contact Us For a Free Shipping Quote!
