Medieval Bible Manuscript Leaf — Paris Bible 13th Century

Medieval Bible Manuscript Leaf — Paris Bible

Northern Europe, Second Half of the 13th Century (c. 1250–1300)

This is an original medieval vellum leaf from a Paris Bible, one of the most important and influential Bible formats of the High Middle Ages. Paris Bibles were produced in large numbers for scholars, theologians, and mendicant friars, especially those connected with the University of Paris, and they helped standardize the biblical text throughout Western Europe.

The manuscript is written in a fine Gothic bookhand in two columns, with black ink and red rubrication, on thin vellum. The tight ruling and high line count reflect the compact, scholarly design typical of Paris Bible production.

The leaf is richly decorated with a 16-line illuminated foliate initial in pink, blue, and gold, marking the beginning of a major textual division. It is further enhanced by an additional red and blue initial with elaborate penwork flourishing extending into the margins, executed by a professional medieval workshop.

Manuscript Details

• Origin: Northern Europe (Paris Bible tradition)
• Date: Second half of the 13th century
• Material: Thin vellum (animal parchment)
• Text: Latin Vulgate Bible
• Layout: Two columns, 48 lines per column
• Ink: Black and red
• Decoration:
  
• One 16-line illuminated foliate initial in pink, blue, and gold
• One red and blue initial with penwork extending into the margins
• Dimensions:
  
• Leaf: 19.3 × 13.5 cm
• Column: 13.5 × 4.5 cm
• Condition: Age-appropriate wear and waviness consistent with medieval use; see images for full details

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I regularly feature and explain original medieval manuscripts like this one—covering their history, script, illumination, and biblical significance—on my YouTube channel:

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All items offered by The Divine Library are guaranteed to be genuine and authentic historical artifacts.

No reproductions or facsimiles—only original, hand-written medieval manuscripts, carefully vetted and accurately described.

This leaf was produced more than 700 years ago, entirely by hand, long before the invention of the printing press.