Lot 2
  • 2

Fragment of Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, in Latin [France or Germany, late 11th or early 12th century]

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Vellum
fragment, 260x190mm, vellum, about two-thirds of a leaf, containing substantial parts of Bk.XVII, ch.6: “[st]renue liberaret … operibus approba[tur]” and “colloquente: sicuti … sinebant”, running headings in red “lib(er)” and “xvii”, 2 columns, at least 33 lines (from the fact that each line typically has six or seven words, we can calculate that about 14-15 lines are missing from the bottom of each column, which would originally thus have had about 47-48 lines), re-used on a later binding with the spine painted white (this paint could be removed), stains, scuffs, and about two-thirds of the width of one column cut away, overall a presentable palaeographical specimen of an important text

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Josephus is an extremely important witness to the background of early Christianity, outlining in the present work (composed c.94 A.D.) the course of Jewish history from the Creation, and expounding Jewish law and customs. The work contains two passages about Jesus and one about John the Baptist. The present fragment includes discussion of the judgment by Herod the Great and Quintilus Varus, ruler of Syria, putting Herod’s own son, Antipater, to death.