Incunabula Bible Leaf, 1498, Nicholas of Lyra – Basel, 15th Century

Extraordinary original incunabula leaf from 1498, taken from the monumental theological work Quinta Pars Huius Operis, printed in Basel on December 1, 1498.

This exceptional historical piece contains biblical commentaries on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John from the Latin Vulgate, authored by the celebrated medieval theologian Nicholas of Lyra, one of the most influential figures in European biblical exegesis and a fundamental reference for later scholars and reformers.

This is an authentic 15th-century incunabula book page, printed only a few decades after the invention of Gutenberg's printing press, making this work an extraordinary testament to the origins of European printing.

The typographic composition stands out for its impressive Renaissance graphic layout: a central text surrounded by complex columns of glosses and theological commentaries, considered one of the most sophisticated and beautiful editorial structures of the late Middle Ages.

The initial letters are hand-illuminated and colored with natural pigments in red and blue tones, still retaining a magnificent chromatic intensity after more than 525 years. These details give the piece not only immense bibliographic and historical interest, but also great aesthetic and decorative appeal.

Currently, the leaf is framed, making it an ideal piece for collectors of incunabula and ancient bibliography, as well as for intellectual interiors, libraries, offices, galleries, or cabinet de curiosités type spaces.

Main Features

• Original 15th-century incunabula leaf
• Printed in Basel in 1498
• Main author: Nicholas of Lyra
• Additional commentaries by Guillelmus Brito
• Text in Latin
• Hand-illuminated and colored initial letters
• Complex medieval-Renaissance typographic composition
• 4 printed pages (front and back)
• Approximate dimensions: 43.5 x 31.5 cm
• Presented framed

Condition and Preservation

The piece shows normal signs of age and use consistent with over five centuries of history, including light scattered stains and small holes in the binding area, as can be seen in the photographs.

Despite this, the overall state of preservation is remarkably good for a work from the late 15th century, with particular emphasis on the excellent conservation of the ink and the intensity of the illuminated capitals.

This is an authentic original piece and NOT a modern reproduction.