Bidspirit auction | French 13th Century Vellum Bible

French 13th Century Vellum Bible Leaf Book of Samuel - Anonymous (French, 13th Century). Vellum illuminated manuscript leaf from a Latin Bible with text from the Book of Samuel. The page is executed in a dense Gothic textualis script in black ink across two columns. The illumination consists of an elongated vertical border in blue and burnished gold leaf that extends into the margins with stylized foliate and bud terminals. Small flourished initials in alternating red and blue ink are interspersed throughout the text. The top margin of the recto displays the Lombardic header REGA in alternating red and blue ink with gold leaf, while the verso displays I SAM. The leaf is housed in a double-sided gilt wood frame with a cream mat, allowing for the examination of both sides of the vellum. A printed label at the base of the mat identifies the piece as a 13th-century Bible leaf from France. Unsigned. Frame: 16” H x 11 5/8” W x 3/4” D. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.