Incunabulum leaf – Decretum Gratiani / Causa III – Quaestio IX – 15th century

Work: Decretum Gratiani

Legal area: Canon Law

Section: Causa III – Quaestio IX

Folio number: Fol. CLIX

Language: Latin

Date of origin: 15th century – Incunabula period

Printing: early Gothic printing in black and red

Sheet size: approx. 41 x 28 cm

Original incunabula leaf from a late medieval edition of the "Decretum Gratiani", one of the most important works of medieval canon law and a major foundation of the later Corpus Iuris Canonici. The leaf belongs to Causa III, Quaestio IX. It deals with canon law issues of judicial proceedings, including indictment, absence of parties to the proceedings, witness testimony, judicial decisions and ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The elaborate design of the early print is particularly decorative. The large headings "Secunda pars – Causa III – Quaestio IX" and "Causa III – Quaestio IX" are printed boldly in red. Numerous red initials and highlights structure the text. In addition, there are several ornamented black-and-white initials on the leaf.

On one side, the historical folio number "Fo. CLIX." is clearly preserved.

The leaf is in good condition for its age. The paper shows age-appropriate toning, slight foxing, and minor edge and handling marks. The actual text area is well preserved, and the print is bold and clearly legible. The red printing ink still has a beautiful effect – see images.

A decorative and over 500-year-old original leaf from the early days of European printing, suitable for collectors of incunabula, early prints, medieval canon law, legal history and historical book art.

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