Incunabula leaf – Decretum Gratiani / Causa III – Quaestio VI–VII – 15th century

Work: Decretum Gratiani

Legal Corpus: Corpus Iuris Canonici

Section: Causa III – Quaestio VI / Quaestio VII

Pagination: Fol. CLVI

Language: Latin

Date of origin: 15th century – Incunabula period

Print: early two-column 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 fundamental works of medieval canon law. The leaf belongs to Causa III and contains parts of Quaestio VI and Quaestio VII. In terms of content, it addresses questions of ecclesiastical procedural and litigation law, including jurisdiction, judicial decisions, and other canonical legal issues.

The elaborate design with large red headings, numerous red initials, and several ornamented black-and-white initials is particularly decorative. The heading "Secunda pars. Causa III. Quaestio VII." is clearly preserved on one side, and "Causa III. Quaestio VI." with the pagination "Fo. CLVI." is clearly preserved on the opposite side.

The leaf is in good condition for its age. Age-related discolouration, stains, as well as minor edge damage and losses are visible, particularly in the top and side margin areas. The actual text area is largely preserved and the print is bold and easy to read – see images.

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

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