Manuscript

Zentral- und Hochschulbibliothe Luzern, Msc. 42. fol.
(Commentary on the Bible)

Codicology

Produced: Engelberg (?), 1458
Current Location: Zentral- und Hochschulbibliothe Luzern, Lucerne, Swaziland
Manuscript Type: Single-author
Language: Latin
Folios: 225
Author: Nicholas of Lira
Illustrated: Yes
Media: Paper
Dimensions: Height: 28 cm Width: 20.5 cm
Sample page - Zentral- und Hochschulbibliothe Luzern Msc. 42. fol.
Folio 108v

Description

Commentary on the Bible by Nicholas of Lira. In the commentary for the biblical book of Isaiah, verse 34:11-15 is a brief bestiary (folio 108v-109v), illustrated with colored drawings. Several animals are illustrated based on the biblical passage:

[Isaiah 34:11] The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; / the great owl and the raven will nest there. / God will stretch out over Edom / the measuring line of chaos / and the plumb line of desolation. / [12] Her nobles will have nothing there to be called a kingdom, / all her princes will vanish away. / [13] Thorns will overrun her citadels, / nettles and brambles her strongholds. / She will become a haunt for jackals, / a home for owls. / [14] Desert creatures will meet with hyenas, / and wild goats will bleat to each other; / there the night creatures will also lie down / and find for themselves places of rest. / [15] The owl will nest there and lay eggs, / she will hatch them, and care for her young / under the shadow of her wings; / there also the falcons will gather, / each with its mate. - [NIV]

The commentary also mentions a few animals not found in the biblical text; some of these are illustrated.

Additional Descriptions

Additional description 1
Additional description 2

Editions and Facsimiles

Digital facsimiles

Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland (e-codices)