Latin Bible, France, 13th Century

Component identifier:

Item 1

Content Summary:

Description: i-ii, 307, iii-iv leaves (vellum); faults in leaves 56, 90, 103, 132, 163, 239, 263, which are original faults of vellum skin; 164 x 112 mm.

Script: Gothic textualis rotunda; the hand that adds the manesses prayer and many of the marginal entries is near contemporary and shows palaeographical signs of being English c1300 (some loops and slight bifurcation to heads of ascenders, from anglicana script).

Decoration: F.1r has Genesis decorated with a vertical column enclosing tendrils of green and lilac on an alternate blue or gold ground, headed by a grotesque reptile; rubricated in red and blue throughout; very fine marginal flourishes (eg f.28v, 36v, 47r, and 57r) and line endings in red and blue; puzzle initials; first initials with zoomorphic decoration.

Layout: Double columns; 51 lines to the page; numerous marginal annotations; fold-out at foot of f.256r and f.274r to accommodate footnotes; running book titles and numbers alternating in red and blue; line rulings and prickings.

Binding: 17th century red morocco binding of decorative gilt corner-pieces enclosing in the centre an anchor within a frame of coiled hands, and within the points of the anchor the initials 'W.C.' (William Clifford?); remains of green silk ties.

Provenance: Inside front cover has Clifford family bookplate, motto 'Semper Paratus' (always ready) and two wyverns; the letter 'C' surmounted by a coronet in the lower margin of f.1r is the monogram of the Clifford family. Cover has a stamped monogram of a coiled rope with an anchor bearing the initials W.C.

Notes: Parisian study bible

Reference: Sinclair: No.3 pp.11-13; Manion Vines: No.68 pp.169-70

Immediate source of acquisition:

The collection was purchased by the National Library of Australia from the estate of the 11th Baron Clifford in November 1963. It reached Canberra in April 1964. The Chertsey Cartulary (item 65), possibly the most important medieval manuscript held in Australia due to the fact that it is one of only three extant from the 14th century and the only one held outside the UK, was received in 1975, following the granting of an export licence by the British Government.

Names:

Clifford, Hugh, Colonel Hon.

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