Wycliffite New Testament

This Wycliffite translation of the New Testament into Middle English dates from the first half of the fifteenth century. The text appears in two columns of 36 lines, with visible ruler lines. The text is small but quite legible. Illuminated initials in burnished gold begin each book of the New Testament. Most of these initials are four lines high, with embellishments in red and blue ink. Scattered annotations and corrections appear in the margins. The leather binding dates to the sixteenth century and features brass corner pieces and center bosses with the letters “A C” stamped on either side.

Created in the first half of the fifteenth century in England. Acquired by Thomas Pygott. Acquired by 1641 by John Cowper.[1] Acquired before 1814 by Francis Ferrand Foljambe (1750–1814); By descent to 2008; Sold at auction in 2008 to an unknown individual.[2] Acquired by Rick Adams.[3] Purchased in 2010 from Sam Fogg by Green Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;[4] Donated in 2012 to Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.

Notes: [1] Cowper signed it on the front and back flyleaves in three places. The most complete is in the back, “John Cowper his booke / Aprill 25th 1641 / 1641.” It appears below Pygott’s signature, which lacks a date. He may have owned it before or after Cowper. The front leaf also contains the name of Ane (Anne) Pigott, perhaps the wife or daughter of Thomas, and the name Mister Solbethe. [2] Foljambe Collection Removed from Osberton Hall, Christie's, London, April 29, 2008, Lot 166.[3] His RLA bookplate is inside the front cover. It is uncertain whether he bought the manuscript from Christie’s or from an intermediary. [4] While the manuscript was acquired by Green Collection from Sam Fogg, it is unclear whether Fogg owned the manuscript or acted as an agent for Rick Adams.

Illuminated Manuscripts