Seven leaves with illuminated initials from a Bible, in Latin [England, c.1250-70]

Seven leaves, each c.160×110mm, fine vellum, 2 columns, 43-44 lines, c.108×68mm, five four-line, one five-line and two six-line illuminated initials with ascenders, small puzzle and flourished initials, introducing (i) Isaiah; (ii) a prologue to the 12 Prophets; (iii) Hosea; (iv) Zephaniah; (v) a prologue to the Gospels; (vi) a prologue to Matthew, and Matthew; and (vii) I Corinthians, stained towards edges, two leaves with irregular lower margin 

The leaves are numbered between the columns on every fifth line, a UNIQUELY ENGLISH PRACTICE associated primarily with the Oxford friars (see M.A. and R.H. Rouse, Authentic Witnesses, 1991, pp.234-36).

Perhaps from the same parent volume as a fragment of 112 leaves sold in our rooms 23 June 1998, lot 46.

For images of all seven leaves see SOTHEBYS.COM