1485–1486 Koberger Latin Bible Leaf – Book of Ezekiel with Illustrated Temple Gate – NICHOLAS DE LYRA Commentary

Nuremberg: Anton Koberger, 1485–1486.
Single leaf (folio size, c. 31 × 21 cm). Printed in Latin in double columns of Gothic type, with hand rubrication in red and blue, and a large woodcut illustration depicting the Temple of Ezekiel’s Vision.

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Description

An original incunabula leaf from Anton Koberger’s monumental Latin Bible, printed in Nuremberg between 1485 and 1486.
This celebrated edition includes the commentary of Nicholas of Lyra, the renowned 14th-century Franciscan scholar whose Postillae perpetuae profoundly influenced later interpreters — including Martin Luther himself.

The present leaf features part of the Book of Ezekiel, with a fine woodcut diagram of the prophet’s Temple vision — showing architectural details of the sanctuary, its gates, and surrounding courtyards. The verso contains text with two-column commentary, handsomely rubricated by hand in red.

Printed on laid paper with strong Gothic type typical of Koberger’s press, known for its crisp impressions and balanced composition.

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Printer & Historical Context

Anton Koberger (c. 1440–1513) was Germany’s most important early printer — godfather to Albrecht Dürer — operating over 20 presses in Nuremberg. His editions of the Bible were among the most ambitious of the 15th century, combining theological scholarship with fine woodcut illustration.

This 1485/1486 edition is considered one of the great typographic masterpieces of the incunable era, blending text and image in the service of Scripture and commentary.

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Features
• Date: 1485–1486
• Printer: Anton Koberger, Nuremberg
• Text: Ezechielis Propheta (Book of Ezekiel), with commentary by Nicholas de Lyra
• Illustration: Large woodcut architectural diagram of Ezekiel’s Temple
• Rubrication: Hand-added red initials and paragraph marks
• Paper: Fine laid paper with visible chain lines
• Dimensions: Approx. 31 × 21 cm (12¼ × 8¼ in.)

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Condition

Excellent for age. Strong impression with minimal age toning and crisp margins. A few faint handling marks and small spots consistent with 15th-century use.
The woodcut is bold and clear — a beautiful example of early Nuremberg printing.

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Provenance

From a disbound copy of Koberger’s 1485/1486 Biblia Latina cum postillis Nicolai de Lyra et expositionibus Guillelmi Britonis, formerly in a European theological collection.

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