Item Info

Script: Rotunda
Language: Latin
Folio Number: ff. 301v-302r
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

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This item appeared in the exhibition "Sacred Stories: The World's Religious Traditions" in the Rare Book Department, August 2015-January 2016.

This is the label from that exhibition:

In the 13^th century, single-volume bibles made it possible to read and study the Christian Scriptures in a portable format. These miniature bibles feature minute writing on very thin leaves of parchment, with this manuscript including even tinier marginal annotations.

Notes: Opening showing marginal glosses
Notes: The thirteenth century saw the development of small, portable bibles. Romanesque bibles had been large-format, grand productions. In order to create an easily carried, single-volume bible the script became impossibly small. In this example, the scribe wrote about twelve lines to the inch, while the marginal commentary is even tinier, with each line measuring less than a millimeter.

Because so much had to be written in a small space, these portable bibles contain relatively little illustration. Nevertheless, the manuscript is still quite decorative, with red and blue chapter numbers and running titles on each page and elaborately flourished initials.
Sirsi Catalog Key: 1583654
Country: Country:Italy
City/Town/Township:Venice ?

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1260
Image Dimensions Width: 186 mm
ShelfMark: Lewis E 39