1523 Erasmus Latin Paraphrase Leaf — Luke 22

Authentic 1523 Erasmus Latin Paraphrase Leaf – Gospel of Luke Chapter 22 (Johann Froben Printing)

Step directly into the intellectual world of the Renaissance with this genuine 1523 leaf from Desiderius Erasmus's celebrated In Evangelium Lucae Paraphrasis (Paraphrase on the Gospel of Luke).

Printed in Basel, Switzerland by the renowned humanist printer Johann Froben, this extraordinary 500-year-old leaf offers a tangible connection to one of the most influential scholars and writers of Renaissance Europe.

Printed on both sides, this leaf comprises pages 429 and 430 and features the transition into Luke Chapter 22 (CAPVT XXII), including the account of the plotting against Jesus leading toward the events surrounding the Last Supper.

Historical Significance

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466–1536) was one of the foremost Christian humanists of the Northern Renaissance. His Paraphrases presented the Gospel narratives through expanded Latin commentary and interpretation, reflecting the humanist scholarship that shaped European intellectual and religious life during the early 16th century.

The Paraphrase on Luke is an important example of Erasmus's effort to engage readers with the Gospel text through learned yet accessible exposition.

Printed during the height of the Renaissance, this leaf comes from an era when the works of Erasmus, humanist scholarship, and the rapidly developing printing press were transforming the circulation of knowledge throughout Europe.

Technical Specifications & Bibliographical Identifiers

Author: Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam

Work: In Evangelium Lucae Paraphrasis

Printer: Johann Froben

Place of Printing: Basel, Switzerland

Date: 1523

Format: Octavo — approximately 4½" × 6½"

Typography: Elegant Renaissance Roman type, accented by italic typography.

Content: Gospel of Luke, including the transition into Chapter 22 (CAPVT XXII).

Pagination: Pages 429–430

Leaf: Printed on both sides on period handmade rag paper.

Authenticity & Condition

Condition: Excellent antiquarian condition. The handmade rag paper remains remarkably strong and supple after five centuries, with clear printing, clean margins, and attractive natural age-toning.

Provenance: Includes a matching physical Certificate of Authenticity documenting the leaf's 1523 printing lineage.

The combination of its early Renaissance date, Erasmus authorship, Johann Froben printing, and surviving original period paper makes this a remarkable artifact for collectors of early printing, Renaissance scholarship, and historic biblical literature.

Preservation & Display

To protect this 500-year-old artifact for future generations, we recommend housing the leaf in an acid-free archival sleeve and, if displayed, using UV-protective glazing while keeping it away from direct sunlight.

This is more than an antique page. It is an original surviving fragment from the world of Erasmus, Johann Froben, Renaissance humanism, and early European printing.

INQUIRIES

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Collection Reference: AS-1015

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