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Original fileInitial 'C' from the Bamberg Apocalypse Lectionary
BambergApocalypse06LargeInitialE
About This Work
The image shows a large, ornamental letter 'C' painted in blue, red, and gold, filled with complex, stylized foliate scrolls. The letter sits against a deep reddish-maroon background within a border. Beneath this, the text of the Vulgate Bible is written in clear, black Carolingian or early Gothic minuscule script on parchment, beginning with the abbreviation for 'Cum' (or 'C'). The text details the conception of Jesus, mentioning Mary and Joseph, and describes the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream.
This leaf originates from the Bamberg Apocalypse, a seminal work of Ottonian manuscript illumination produced in the scriptorium at Reichenau Abbey. It serves as a primary witness to the high theological and artistic standards of the Holy Roman Empire under the Ottonian dynasty.
Inscriptions(Latin)
V MES SE DESP ON SA TA mater ihu maria ioseph. Ante quam conuenirent inuenta est inutero habens de spu sco. Ioseph aut uir eius cum esset iustus. & nollet eam tra ducere. uoluit occulte dimittere eam. h aec autem eo cogitante. ecce angelus dni insomnis apparuit ei dicens. Ioseph fili dauid. noli timere accipere mariam coniugem tuam. Quod enim inea na tum est. de spiritu sco est. Pariet aut filium. & uocabis nomen eius ihm. I pse enim saluum faciet populum suum
Translation
V MES / SE DESP / ON SA / TA (Fragmentary/partial: likely intended as part of 'Cum esset desponsata'); mother Jesus Mary Joseph. Before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people.'
Connected Texts
Gospel of Matthew
The text corresponds to Matthew 1:18–21, which narrates the origins of Jesus and the angelic visitation of Joseph.