Sephardic Bible in Hebrew, produced in the first half of the 14th
century in Spain, probably in Castile. The manuscript opens and
closes with Masoretic lists (ff. IIr-IXv and 463v to 466v), which,
framed by illuminated borders, form “carpet pages”. The
biblical text, copied into one or two columns, is accompanied by
the Small and Large Masora (rules from the rabbinic tradition
regarding the reading and vocalization of the sacred texts), which
were written in tiny letters in the margins and in the gutters.
These micrographic elements are sometimes enlivened in the lower
margins of the pages (about 70 occurrences) or on all four sides of
the pages (e.g., ff. 42r-43r, 461v-463r), where they form
magnificent geometrical figures and interlace. The first biblical
books are introduced by titles that are executed in browned gold on
background fields of pink and blue with white scrollwork (f. 1v/Gn,
33v/Ex, 59v/Nb, 77v/Dt, 102v/Js, 125v/Jg). According to a note of
ownership (f. 467v) dated 1367 (?), this Hebrew Bible was probably
owned by David ha-Cohen Coutinho, member of a family of Portuguese
marranos. In the 15th century, it was the property of Moses
Abulafia, until his widow sold it, as shown by the sales contract,
dated and signed in 1526 in Thessaloniki and placed in the
beginning of the book (f. Ir). In the 16th century, the Bible was
owned by the Talmudist and Rabbi Abraham di Boton of Thessaloniki
(f. 467v). Thereafter its presence is attested in the Zaradel
Synagogue of Alexandria in the 19th century (R. Gottheil, „Some
Hebrew Manuscripts in Cairo“ in: Jewish Quarterly Review 17,
1905, p. 648). After the Bible entered the fine arts market, it has
been in a private collection since 1996.
