Medieval Scriptorium - Medieval Latin Bible Commentary – Illuminated Parchment Manuscript Leaf – Paris - 1220

A remarkable and unusually large original medieval Latin manuscript leaf on parchment, originating from a Bible commentary, attributed to Paris, France, circa 1210–1220.

The manuscript is handwritten in Latin in an early Gothic script, arranged in two columns on both recto and verso, with approximately 54 lines per column.

The text is written predominantly in dark brown/black ink and is decorated with attractive red and blue penwork initials, characteristic of high medieval manuscript production. Fine pen-flourishing extends from several of the coloured initials into the margins.

The large format and dense two-column layout are characteristic of scholarly and theological manuscripts produced for intensive study during the flourishing of manuscript culture in 13th-century Paris, one of medieval Europe's most important centres of book production and theological learning.

An impressive example of early 13th-century European manuscript culture, now approximately 800 years old. Its exceptionally large format, early date and coloured penwork decoration make it an attractive piece for a collection of medieval manuscripts, early books or religious history.

The photographs form an integral part of the description.