Gospel Lectionary, in the Harklean translation
In Syriac, illuminated manuscript on parchment
Jerusalem, Monastery of Simon the Pharisee and Mary Magdalene, dated Seleucid Era 1455 = 1143-1144 CE
15 illuminated indices, 39 illuminated headings, and 30 illuminated quire numbers
Rare early Syriac Gospel Lectionary in the literal Syriac language translation of the Greek Gospels completed by Bishop Thomas of Harqel in 616 CE. Beautifully written partly in the classic Syriac script known as Estrangelo and mostly in its simplified cursive form known as Serto, the diminutive manuscript was presumably intended for private devotion. This distinguishes it from most other folio-sized Syriac Lectionaries designed for formal use in the liturgy. Richly illuminated indices, headpieces, and quire numbers decorate the volume throughout. Exceptional, and of considerable importance, is its lengthy colophon full of historical details, identifying the scribe and his origins, fixing the date and circumstances of transcription, and locating the place, an important monastery and pilgrimage site partially under the patronage of Queen Melisende in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
The Bishop Carr Bible (Vulgate)
in Latin, Illuminated manuscript on parchment
Northern France, c. 1230-1250
The roots of the modern Bible are found in the new portable Bibles containing the complete Old and New Testaments that are one of the thirteenth century’s most striking inventions. This is a very attractive example, in good condition, with painted initials for each book of the Bible, including a playful Genesis initial where animals and monsters replace the expected scenes of creation. Physically it is slightly larger than a typical pocket Bible, making it easier to read and a pleasure to handle.
The Rugby-De Brailes Bible
In Latin, illuminated manuscript on parchment
England (Oxford), c. 1230-1250 (perhaps 1230s)
A very attractive illuminated Bible from Oxford; the style of the numerous foliate initials leaves no doubt that this can be added to the small group of manuscripts attributed to William de Brailes or his workshop, active in Oxford c. 1230-1260. De Brailes is one of only two English illuminators from the thirteenth century known by name. Larger than a pocket Bible, but still a handy, compact size, this is copied in a skillful early gothic script, tiny but very legible. The initials are crisply executed, with evocative dragons and other animals. Annotations and later notes add to its interest.
Vulgate Bible
In Latin, decorated manuscript on parchment
Northern France (Paris?), c. 1230-1240
The two most important innovations observed in thirteenth-century Bibles, the new very small portable format and the text known as the Paris Bible, are evident in this early example of a “working” Bible. It includes functional pen decoration delineating the text, is small in dimensions (but not excessively so), and is copied in a very tiny script, but is easy to handle (and even to collate). Binders often altered the dimensions of “pocket” Bibles, but this manuscript in contrast is preserved close to its original dimensions and survives with prickings in the margins. This is a Bible that will reward research into its text and as a physical artifact, providing us with invaluable evidence into how the Scriptures were used during the later Middle Ages.
Psalter
In Latin, illuminated manuscript on parchment
Southern Germany (diocese of Constance or Augsburg), c. 1240-60
Almost certainly copied for lay use, this German illuminated Psalter includes historiated initials depicting both Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, canonized only decades before the manuscript was produced. Artistically, it is related to important illuminated south German Psalters now in Liverpool and Schaffhausen. It is still bound in an early binding (with some restoration), and there are numerous signs of use throughout, including evidence that it was used to teach children to read. Unusual and intriguing damage to the initials of Francis and Dominic warrants closer attention
