1493 Anton Koberger Latin Bible Leaf

This remarkable original Bible leaf was printed in 1493 by the renowned German printer Anton Koberger, one of the greatest printers of the fifteenth century and a pivotal figure in the history of the printed book.

Produced in Nuremberg during the infancy of the printing press, this leaf comes from a Latin Bible printed less than forty years after Gutenberg’s groundbreaking Bible. It contains portions of the biblical books of Jeremiah and Lamentations, printed in beautiful Gothic type and enhanced by hand-applied red and blue Lombard initials. These decorative initials were added individually by hand after printing, preserving an artistic tradition inherited from medieval manuscript production.

The year 1493 was one of extraordinary historical significance. Europe was entering a new era of exploration, learning, and technological advancement, and presses like Koberger’s helped spread knowledge throughout the continent in ways that had never before been possible.

Printed on handmade laid paper and surviving for over five centuries, this leaf offers collectors the opportunity to own an authentic piece of biblical and printing history.

Specifications

• Title: Latin Bible
• Printer: Anton Koberger
• Place of Printing: Nuremberg, Germany
• Date: 1493
• Language: Latin
• Contents: Jeremiah and Lamentations
• Gothic blackletter typography
• Hand rubricated red and blue initials
• Printed on handmade laid paper
• Approximate size: 12 × 9 inches

Condition

The leaf is preserved in very good condition considering its more than 530-year age, with expected light wear and age toning. It also retains two small adhesive remnants from a previous mounting, a common occurrence with leaves that were once displayed or housed in collections. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they provide additional details of the leaf’s condition and form an important part of the description.

This is an outstanding example of early European printing and an exceptional acquisition for collectors of incunabula, biblical history, medieval manuscripts, and the history of the printed book.