1486 Medieval Bible Leaf – Book of Judges with Hand-Rubrication & Marginalia

An original Incunable leaf from a Latin Bible printed in 1486 by Johann Amerbach in Basel, one of the leading printers of the 15th century. As an incunable, printed in the first decades after Gutenberg, it is over 535 years old and comes from the very dawn of printing in the late medieval period.

The leaf is headed "Judicum" (Judges) and printed in bold gothic type in two columns. It covers some of the most famous stories in the Book of Judges: the close of the Song of Deborah with Jael and Sisera, the angel's call to Gideon, the sign of the fleece, and Gideon's selection of his 300 men. A large hand-painted red initial opens Chapter 6, and red rubrication is added by hand to capitals throughout, so no two leaves are exactly alike.

It also has early handwritten Latin marginal notes from a period reader, including a longer inscription along the lower margin.

The paper shows age-appropriate toning, edge wear, some staining, and small marginal losses, while the printed text remains crisp and highly legible. This is a genuine piece of early printing history, ideal for collectors of Bibles, incunabula, or religious antiques, and it would be beautiful framed for display.