This genuine medieval manuscript leaf was written in Latin on vellum and dates to the 15th century, originating from France. It comes from a Bible that was later reused as a binding material—a common medieval and early modern practice that helped preserve these fragments for centuries.
The text on this leaf is from II Kings 17:19–18:31, including the account of Israel’s fall and King Hezekiah’s defiance of the Assyrian king.
Written in a clear two-column Gothic bookhand of 47 lines per column, with rubricated headings and initials touched in red, this leaf displays the elegance and devotion characteristic of late medieval scripture. Faint calligraphic extensions and rubric chapter numbers (“cap. xviii”) remain visible.
Evidence of its use in binding can still be seen: • Horizontal cuts in the wide outer margin from sewing bands • Rust marks from metal fittings • Staining from leather turn-ins and natural age-related toning
Despite these marks of use, the text remains largely legible, a powerful testament to its survival over 500 years.
Dimensions: approximately 363 × 258 mm Script: Gothic bookhand Content: II Kings 17:19–18:31 Origin: France, 15th century
A fine and evocative witness to medieval book culture—bearing the physical traces of both sacred use and later repurposing.
