1573 Bishops' Bible Leaf — Luke 22, The Last Supper
1573 Bishops' Bible New Testament Leaf — Luke 22, The Last Supper
Step back into the Elizabethan era with this genuine 1573 Bishops' Bible New Testament leaf, preserving the dramatic opening of Luke Chapter 22, including the betrayal of Christ, the preparation for Passover, and the Institution of the Lord's Supper.
Produced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the Bishops' Bible was an important English Bible of the Elizabethan Church and one of the principal English biblical translations available to the translators of the 1611 King James Bible. Its distinctive typography and language provide a remarkable window into the development of English Scripture during the Reformation.
This Quarto-sized leaf, measuring approximately 6" × 8", is printed in striking Gothic Black Letter and preserves a substantial portion of the Gospel narrative in its original 16th-century form.
FEATURED SCRIPTURE
Luke Chapter 22 — The Last Supper and the Passion Narrative
Among the passages preserved on this leaf are:
The conspiracy of Judas Iscariot, including the words, “Then entered Satan into Judas…”
The preparation for the Passover
The Institution of the Lord's Supper, including the memorable words:
“This is my body which is geuen for you, this doo in remembrance of me.”
Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane
Peter's denial
Together, these passages make this leaf an especially compelling example of early English biblical printing, preserving some of the most recognizable events in the Gospel account of the Passion.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Bishops' Bible was first published in 1568 under Queen Elizabeth I and subsequently revised in later printings, including the 1573 edition represented by this leaf.
Created as an important English Bible for the Elizabethan Church, the Bishops' Bible occupies a significant place in the history of the English Bible. Its language, typography, and textual tradition form part of the broader English biblical heritage that preceded the publication of the King James Bible in 1611.
For collectors, this leaf offers a tangible connection to Elizabethan England, the English Reformation, and the continuing development of printed English Scripture.
TYPOGRAPHY & FORMAT
Original 16th-century printing
Gothic Black Letter type
Double-column biblical text
Period marginal cross-references
Quarto format
Approximately 6" × 8"
AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION
Certificate of Authenticity:
This historic leaf is accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity documenting its identification.
Overall Condition:
Excellent antiquarian condition for a leaf approximately 450 years old. The paper remains structurally sound and handles firmly, with the original printed typography remaining clear and well preserved.
Condition Details:
Very faint historic staining, restricted entirely to the blank margins.
Minor loss/chipping along the outer corner edge, well away from the printed text.
Printed typography remains intact.
Marginal cross-references remain preserved.
No significant loss to the principal biblical text.
These age-related characteristics are consistent with the handling history of an original 16th-century printed leaf and do not detract from its principal textual content.
PRESERVATION & DISPLAY
This historic Elizabethan leaf is well suited for archival preservation or professional framing. Its Gothic Black Letter typography and dramatic Gospel content make it particularly striking when displayed with acid-free materials and appropriate UV-protective glazing.
A remarkable survivor from the age of Elizabeth I, this leaf offers collectors a tangible connection to the history of English Scripture and the printed Bible.
INQUIRIES
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Collection Reference: AS-1023
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
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