A page from Deuteronomy or Numbers c.1500

Incunabula.

A commentary on the Old Testament, from the book of Deuteronomy or Numbers, with citations of "Gen." (Genesis) and "Numeri" (Numbers) throughout the text. It discusses the history of the Israelites, mentioning figures like Moses (Moyses), Abraham, Lot, and geographical locations like Seir, Idumea (Edom), and Moab. The content focuses on the "benefits bestowed" by God during the Israelites' time in the desert, specifically referring to the "column of fire and cloud" (columna ignis & nubis) and the provision of "manna and water from the rock" (manna & eduxit aquam de petra).

The typeface is a Humanist or Roman font. This style became increasingly popular in Italy and France during the late 15th and early 16th centuries as printers moved away from mimicking medieval manuscripts and toward a cleaner, classical look. A hand-painted initial "P", in deep blue ink (often derived from azurite or lapis lazuli) were sometimes more expensive or used for specific hierarchy in decoration. The “P” begins the section starting with "Profectiq[ue] inde..." (And having set out from there...).

A scholastic commentary—possibly by a major figure like Nicholas of Lyra or Hugh of Saint Cher, whose works were staples for students of theology.

250mm x 370mm

R3,000