Huge Manuscript Lectern Bible leaf, c.1300: A magnificent leaf including passages from the Book of Exodus

Recto: 50 lines of Latin text written in two columns in a gothic bookhand on high quality vellum. Ruled in red, some versal initials touched in yellow. Two fine illuminated three-line initials in blue, black, salmon and white, detailed with burnished gold begin Chapters 23 and 24. Chapter numbers and heading EXO (half the running title EXODUS) in blue and red. A bar border of blue, black, salmon and white runs the length of each column of text. Radiating into the margins are decorations of ivy leaves in blue and red finished with burnished gold. The bar border of the right column terminates with a dragon's head. Scholars' notes in gothic bookhands in the right margin.

Verso: As Recto, with one illuminated initial, one chapter number, one bar border and an extremely delicate pen decoration touched with salmon in the centre space.

Source: Paris, France

Date: c. 1300-1325

Content: The leaf is from the Old Testament Book of Exodus. Accompanying notes contain selections of the content which includes Moses on Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments, the design of the Ark of the Covenant, the design of menora and "divers laws and ordinances" including warnings against usury and bribery.

Condition: This superb leaf is in very good/fine condition. There is very minor age-related browning at the edges and a repaired tear on the binding edge of Recto which is masked off by the mat. Verso has a slight stain in the left column of text, but not obscuring it in any way. The vellum of this 700 year old leaf is in particularly fine condition. Unconditionally guaranteed genuine.

Size: Size of leaf: approx. 405x270 mm. Text and illuminated area : approx. 345x215 mm. Mat size: approx. 590x445 mm. Presented in a museum quality mat, ready to frame. .

References:Two very similar, but not as splendid, leaves can be seen at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36735978@N05/4382389030/in/set-72157621873641566

http://www.mg-school.com/html/mg-school/MG collection/pages/03. leaf from .html