Old Testament Fragment; Enarratio in prophetam Isaiam

Old Testament Fragment; Enarratio in prophetam Isaiam

Greek religious commentary

This 10th-century Greek manuscript fragment consists of one folio of the Book of Wisdom and a religious commentary by Basil of Caesarea. It originated from an Old Testament parent manuscript, Codex Atheniensis 2641 (National Library of Greece). The pages are laid out in two columns of twenty-eight lines using frame-ruled ruling patterns. This manuscript’s use of a minuscule bouletée (a Middle Byzantine script) is the oldest dated and recorded example, thus being an important paleographical artifact. The title translates to “a detailed interpretation of the Prophet Isaiah,” the first Major Prophet in the Christian Old Testament. The large margins and elegant script remind the reader that this book is refined and luxurious, fine and full of grandeur.

Saint Basil, Bishop of Caesarea (ca. 329-379 CE)

Free Library of Philadelphia

Free Library of Philadelphia

913-14 CE

Jules Olszewski

Codex Atheniensis 2641 (National Library of Greece)

Leather, Ink, and Parchment; Iii+11+iii; 360 x 245 mm bound to 370 x 265 mm

Greek

Manuscript

Lewis E 251