[Central or Southern Italy, 13th century]

The present fragment, recycled as binding material and hidden from view for centuries, is an interesting witness to that transitional period of the evolution of European script from the round, familiar forms of Caroline minuscule to the more angular compressed shapes of Gothic.

The style of initial decoration is unlike that of any of the mainstream centres of manuscript production in Italy of this period. The muted palette of green and red and the scrolling acanthus might suggest a southern Italian production.

Provenance:
The fragment was evidently being used as a wrapper, likely for archival records, from as early as 1549: inscription written vertically along the second column of verso.

Physical description:
282 x 332mm (11 x 13in.). A fragment from a Bible, 29 visible lines in 2 columns, rubrics and chapter headings in red (heavily soiled and stained from use as binding material). The text beginning in the Prologue to 1 Kings '[...] imbrium ea quae viliora', followed by a capitula list and ending in 1 Kings 1:24: 'Et adduxit eum secum [...]'.

Please note this lot is the property of a private consignor.