1548 Erasmus English Paraphrase Leaf — John 2, Wedding at Cana
1548 Erasmus English New Testament Paraphrase Leaf with COA — The Wedding at Cana
Own a remarkable piece of 16th-century English biblical history depicting one of the most recognizable episodes in the New Testament: the Wedding at Cana and Jesus' first recorded miracle, the turning of water into wine.
This authentic historical leaf comes from the 1548 first English edition of Desiderius Erasmus's Paraphrase upon the New Testament, an influential work that brought Erasmus's scholarly interpretation of the New Testament to English readers during the English Reformation.
Produced during the reign of King Edward VI, this English edition was intended for widespread ecclesiastical use, reflecting the period's effort to make biblical and theological texts available within parish churches.
Printed in striking Gothic blackletter, this substantial leaf measures approximately 7¼" × 11¼" and preserves the complete narrative of John Chapter 2, together with Erasmus's accompanying paraphrase.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Desiderius Erasmus's Paraphrases were among the most influential scholarly works associated with the Renaissance study of the New Testament. The English translation represented an important stage in the development of English-language biblical scholarship during the Reformation era.
This leaf therefore preserves not only the biblical narrative itself, but also the intellectual and theological commentary through which Erasmus interpreted the passage for his readers.
FEATURED SCRIPTURE — THE WEDDING AT CANA
Side A — The Gospel of S. John, Cap. ii
The leaf presents the narrative of the Wedding at Cana, including the servants filling the stone waterpots to the brim and the ruler of the feast discovering that the water had been turned into wine.
The passage concludes with the memorable Early Modern English wording:
«“…thou hast kepte the good wyne untyll now.”»
Side B — The Paraphrase of Erasmus upon S. John
The reverse presents Erasmus's scholarly paraphrase and theological exposition of the Cana narrative, providing historical insight into how this Gospel account was interpreted by one of the Renaissance's most influential Christian scholars.
TYPOGRAPHY & VISUAL FEATURES
- Striking Gothic blackletter typography
- Ornate period headers
- Contemporary printed marginal notes
- Characteristic Early Modern English spelling
- Distinctive long s (ʃ) character
- Original 16th-century paper and printing
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Work: Erasmus's Paraphrase upon the New Testament
- English Edition: 1548
- Subject: Gospel of John, Chapter 2
- Featured Passage: The Wedding at Cana
- Format: Folio
- Approximate Dimensions: 7¼" × 11¼"
- Typeface: Gothic Blackletter
- Documentation: Physical Certificate of Authenticity included
AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION
Certificate of Authenticity:
This leaf is accompanied by a physical Certificate of Authenticity documenting its identification and 1548 printing date.
Overall Condition:
Very Good for a leaf approximately 475 years old. The original paper retains good structural integrity and remains firm, with deep, bold typography and excellent contrast.
Specific Condition Note:
Small corner lost.
A light, natural historic moisture stain is present in the outer upper corner of the margins. The staining remains confined to the margin and contributes to the authentic visual character and age patina of the leaf.
PRESERVATION & DISPLAY
This historic leaf is ideally suited for archival preservation or display. Its substantial folio format and striking blackletter typography make it particularly attractive when presented in an archival sleeve or professionally framed using acid-free materials and appropriate UV-protective glazing.
A remarkable combination of Scripture, Renaissance scholarship, Reformation history, and original 16th-century printing, this leaf offers a tangible connection to the world in which Erasmus's interpretation of the New Testament reached English readers.
INQUIRIES
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Collection Reference: AS-1021
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