|
This codex, which has its name from a 19th-century English owner, is the only one dating from the 7th century, to be written not in Greek but in Latin, and to include an extensive Old Testament cycle of pictures. It contains the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament). Regarding its origin, it has been ascribed to the Syrian-Palestinian region, or to that part of North Africa where Carthage once stood; but Spain, Italy and Dalmatia have also been proposed.
A considerable part of the codex is missing. It has now 19 mostly full-page miniatures from the original 68. The miniatures show a striking lack of three-dimensionality, the seemingly unique visual world exhibits certain affinities with Jewish culture.
Folio 10 verso shows a full-page illustration related to the Flood. It shows the Ark reaching dry land and disembarking the animals. In the lower left corner the sacrifice of Noah is depicted.
|