Loading, please wait...
LOT 1644
Medieval Judges Bible Page by Johann Gruninger
PRINTED 1492 A.D.
13 x 9 5/8 in. (11 grams, 33 x 24.5 cm).
Being a single, double-sided leaf from an early printed paper Latin bible for the Book of Judges, chapters 15-18; the text set in two columns of blackletter type with numerous hand-applied rubrications (embellishments) in red, with foliation and other marks; square woodblock versals; printed by Johann Gruninger of Strasbourg with commentary by Nicholas de Lyra. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx M Cummings collection, UK, 1990s-2000s.
Accompanied by a Vulgate Latin text with English translation.
This portion of the Book of Judges tells of Samson slaying a thousand Philistines with the 'jawbone of an ass' together with the betrayal by Delilah, his loss of strength and capture when his hair was cut and and his eventual death by pulling down the pillars.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Medieval Bronze Artefact Collection
14th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising mounts, buckles and other miscellaneous items, including items displaying vegetal and zoomorphic motifs and initials. 50 grams total, 25-45 mm
Found Hampshire, UK. -
Medieval Lead Bag and Tax Seal Group
14th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £26
One bearing the bust of a crowned monarch; one with GW over a madder-bag, showing that he was a dyer; one with partial legend within beaded border to one face and coat of arms to the other; one with partial legend 'THE [COMMON WEA]LTH' and arms of the Commonwealth (1649- 1660); one bearing a cloth-worker's privy mark. 35.5 grams total, 18-32 mm
Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.
Elton explains (p.269) that though similar in shape to a wool-sack, the madder-bag 'has a series of criss-crossing lines representing the cordage holding its contents in place during the vigorous dyeing process'. -
Medieval Gold Ring with Inscription
14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,944
The keeled hoop with three X-motifs, two stylised animal heads supporting the oval bezel inscribed with Lombardic letters (letters M and X separated by decorative motifs, cross to the top); the possibly earlier intaglio with a draped bust of an empress (Faustina the Younger?) in profile to the left, with an elongated neck and curled hair tied back in a bun at the nape of the neck. 5.98 grams, 22.96 mm overall, 18.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Acquired at Christie's, New York (Antiquities Sale), circa 2000. Important North West London collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11818-204560.
It is likely that the inscription is abbreviation for 'Memento Mori', meaning 'remember you must die', accompanied by a cross and X for Christ. This imagery served as a reminder to the Christians to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment.
