Leaf from a Portable Bible: II Paralipomenon (Second Chronicles), chapters 27-30

Artist Unknown

Datecirca 1225

MediumManuscript on parchment

Dimensions12 7/8 x 9 1/8 in. (32.7 x 23.2 cm)

ClassificationsBook Arts

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Garth Cate

Object numberG.65.17.2

On View

Not on view

Label TextBefore the widespread adoption of printing with movable type, scribes handwrote texts on parchment sheets that were folded and sewn along one edge. These codices (books) were sometimes decorated in tempera and gold leaf to “light up” the pages, inspiring the term “illuminated manuscript.”

Portable bibles, a thirteenth-century Parisian invention, were used by preachers, especially traveling friars.
[L. Humphrey, “The People’s Collection, Reimagined," 2022]
ProvenanceEdwin A. R. Rumball-Petre, NY (1938)Published References"Acquisitions," North Carolina Museum of Art Bulletin 6, no. 4 and 7, no. 1 (1966/67?), mentioned 7, listed 74.
Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," April 24, 2023–January 16, 2024. Object Rights Statement

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