Marginal Collection (#2)
In the illuminated Wenzelbibel manuscript, marginal notes provide fascinating insights into the historical context of biblical texts
For sale as Licensed Images
Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media
In the illuminated Wenzelbibel manuscript, marginal notes provide fascinating insights into the historical context of biblical texts. These delicate annotations transport us to a time when scribes meticulously crafted every word and embellished them with intricate illustrations. Moving from ancient manuscripts to modern-day Brazil, we find ourselves in São Paulo's bustling new business district of Berrini in Brooklin, known as "The Marginal. " This vibrant area pulsates with energy as skyscrapers reach for the sky, symbolizing progress and ambition. Just like these towering buildings, fragments from Justinian's Digesta and Codex reveal glimpses of an expansive legal system. In Book XXXIII fragment of Digesta, we catch a glimpse of justice being served through concise laws that shaped societies. Similarly, fragments from Books V. XIII, VI. XXXXI, V. XXXVIII, IIII. XX and III. XVIII highlight various aspects of Roman law that governed daily life during Justinian's reign. A headpiece adorned with marginal floral compositions takes us back to c. 1661-1687 when artists used thick heavy yellow paper as their canvas. The intricate details within this artwork showcase nature's beauty intertwined with human creativity—a reminder that even in margins or peripheries lies immense artistic potential waiting to be discovered. As our journey continues through history depicted on vellum pages, Moses striking water from the rock reminds us of divine miracles witnessed by the Israelites during their exodus. Meanwhile Dido and Cupid captured in watercolor on vellum between 1874-c. 1919 evoke emotions ranging from love to tragedy—emphasizing how art transcends time and space. From ancient religious texts to contemporary urban landscapes; fragmented legal codes to delicate floral motifs; miraculous biblical events to mythical tales portrayed on vellum—the concept of "marginal" reveals hidden treasures awaiting exploration beyond what initially meets the eye.