A Dutch incunable leaf from The Book of the Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ

This leaf is an example of a Dutch incunable (pre-1501) or very early post-incunable, notable for its large woodcut illustration and Middle Dutch text. Based on the typography and woodcut style, it originates from the Low Countries, likely printed in Zwolle by Peter van Os or in Delft by Hendrik Eckert van Homberch.

The text is part of a devotional work, possibly the Boec vanden leven ons heren Ihesu Christi (The Book of the Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ) or a similar life-of-Christ narrative popular in the 15th century.

The front page shows "Dat C Capittel" (The 100th Chapter). The text and woodcut depict the story of the Rich Young Ruler kneeling before Jesus. The dialogue includes "Die mensche" (The person/man) and "Scriptura" as interlocutors, a common format for moralized theological texts.

The back page: Folio numbered "CLXXXVI" (186). The text continues with a "Moralizacio" (Moralization) and a "Ghebet" (Prayer) starting with "Heere ihesu criste die ons in reynichede..."

Typography: Printed in a distinct Dutch Gothic (Gheraert Leeu-style) typeface.

Illustration: A large, expressive woodcut showing Christ with disciples encountering the young man. The scroll (phylactery) above the man contains Middle Dutch text.

180mm x 240mm

A small stain, very slight surface wear.

R3,500