The Parables of Solomon (Proverbs).
This Venetian edition of “Commentaria in Bibliam” brings together all of St. Jerome's biblical commentaries dating from the fourth and fifth centuries. Even though St. Jerome's works were hugely popular in the 15th century, this leaf is from the only complete edition of the work printed during that period. It was edited for the de Gregoris brothers by Bernardinus Gadolus.
Recto: Sixty lines of text printed in Gothic and Roman type on laid rag paper. A heading: Super parabolas Salomonis (On the parables of Solomon). A four-line woodcut initial ‘F’ with an image of a seated figure and internal floral decoration.
Verso: As Recto with the heading Liber primus.c.vii. (Book One, Chapter seven) and another four-line woodcut initial ‘F’ and a “catchword” in the bottom margin.
Origin: Venice, Italy. Printed by Johannes and Gregorius de Gregoriis, de Forlivio,
Date: August 25, 1498.
Content: The original Vulgate Latin is printed in Gothic type, followed by Jerome’s commentary in Roman type. The woodcut initial ‘F’ on Recto begins Chapter 6: Fili mi si spoponderis pro amico tuo defixisti apud extraneum manum tuam. (My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, thou hast engaged fast thy hand to a stranger,)
Condition: Apart from light edge browning and some pale brown marks and light abrasion in the outer margin the leaf is in excellent condition, sharply printed on quality paper with full margins. It is unconditionally guaranteed genuine.
Size: Leaf: approx. 325x215 mm.
References: H 8581*; GW 12419; BMC V, 350; IGI 4729; Goff H-160; Essling 1170; Sander 3386.
Item No.: PSA130
