Bible — 12th century, third quarter; English
MS. Rawl. Q. b. 5
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Description
From Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries
This is an extract only. For more information, see the catalogue record in Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries.
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Title
Bible — 12th century, third quarter; English
Shelfmark
MS. Rawl. Q. b. 5
Place of origin
English
Date
12th century, third quarter
Language
Latin
Contents
Form
codex
Support
parchment
Decoration
Fine historiated and other initials. fol. 5v Type initial I Subject Band, edged with gold, decorated with geometric designs, acanthus leaves, animal head and four medallions with bearded heads. fol. 48v Type initial L Subject Band, edged with gold, decorated with eleven square panels, where a four-petalled flower alternates with other designs (three heads, an eagle and a lion). fol. 64r Type initial H Subject Interlace, acanthus-leaf designs. The loop of the initial is formed by a dragon; a mask decorates the top of the ascender. fol. 76v Type initial T Subject Christ, seated in green and gold mandorla, holding a book and blessing; a gold bar with two lions above. fol. 86r Type initial P Subject A young man with a sword and shield faces a dragon with a knotted tail. Interlace, acanthus-leaf designs, three human faces inside the loop of the initial. fol. 112r Type initial F Subject Two figures with long hair and ankle-length robes cutting leaves from a plant with knives. Two grotesques form horizontal bars of the initial. fol. 137v Type initial C Subject Mythological beast surrounded by coiled tendrils and acanthus leaves. fol. 162r Type initial O Subject Seated crowned Solomon embraces a female figure. fol. 170r Type initial O Subject Interlace, acanthus-leaf designs, two profile human heads. fol. 187v Type initial A Subject Coiled tendrils with foliage and flowers, mask, bird, winged grotesque with floral decoration growing out of its mouth and human hand clutching its feet.
Gold initials, decorated with interlace, coiled tendrils, foliage, flowers and geometric designs on fols. 23r, 38r, 77r, 95r, 123v, 151r, 159r, 163v, 187r and 199v.
Unfinished initials on fols. 96v, 96v and 170r.
Good sketches in margins on fols. 120r and 123v (human half-figure and faces)
Binding
Stamped leather on boards (English, about A.D. 1500, with the arms of Hen. vii or Hen. viii).
Acquisition
Bequeathed to the Bodleian in 1755
Provenance
Richard Rawlinson, 1690–1755
View full record in Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries
