Incunabula,early,important Bible Leaf II Thessalonians1-I Timothy 5,N.Jenson,1479 with 2 Hand Painted Decorated Capitals Description: A splendid example of medieval printing, being a leaf from a fragment of a Biblia Latina printed at Venice, Italy by the outstanding French printer Nicolas Jenson(ca.1420-1480) in 1479. Nicolas Jenson served as Master of the French Royal Mint when King Charles VII sent him to Mainz--the city where Gutenberg invented printing by moveable types--in order to study the art of printing until 1461. In 1468 Jenson went to Venice where he opened his own printing shop in 1470 and became the most prolific printer of Venice. Nicolas Jenson has been held in high esteem ever since William Morris praised the beauty and perfection of his printing. William Morris(1834-1896) was an eminent member of the British Arts and Crafts Movement. The literal translation of the Latin word "incunabulum" is 'infant's cradle' and alludes to the fact that printing at that time was in its infancy. The fact that a book was printed before 1500 is significant in that its value is much greater than if it had been printed after 1501. There is also a direct relationship of the printing time before 1500 and the price of the incunabulum. Books printed before 1480 are normally priced higher than books printed between 1490 and 1500. Condition of the Leaf: in used condition. It is on hand-made paper. Many leaves have indistinct watermarks(at least three different styles). There is evidence of ageing: light soiling, edge and margin flaws, staining and spotting, etc. The brownish spots stem from candle wax drops. Size of the leaf: ca. 13"x 9"(335 mm x 230 mm). In Very Good antiquarian condition. Modern foliation and a slight tear in the upper right corner. Slight staining to outer edges. Clean, clear printing throughout.