A 700-year-old Hebrew Bible recently made headlines after being sold for an astonishing $6.9 million at Sotheby’s New York, showcasing the rich cultural and literary heritage of the medieval period.
A Medieval Treasure
While Europe’s medieval period often conjures images of feudal lords, knights, and peasants, few people consider the artistic and literary masterpieces from that time. One such treasure, the Shem Tov Bible, is a prime example. This ancient manuscript, renowned for its beautiful artwork and detailed literary content, attracted global attention when it went up for auction.
Bidding War at Sotheby’s
The Shem Tov Bible was estimated to fetch around $5 million, with bidding opening at $4 million. The initial phase saw a brief but intense bidding war between two in-room bidders. As the price climbed past the $5 million mark, the battle shifted to phone bidders, with three separate parties vying for the historic manuscript.
In the end, it was Richard Austin, Global Head of the Books & Manuscripts Department at Sotheby’s, who secured the winning bid for his client, represented by paddle number 13, at $5.8 million. With auction fees added, the final price amounted to $6.9 million.
A Manuscript’s Long Journey
The Shem Tov Bible has a rich and storied history. Originating in Spain, it has traveled across the Mediterranean and Europe, passing through the hands of prominent collectors such as David Solomon Sassoon and Jacqui Safra. This rare manuscript had previously set records when it was last auctioned, fetching $825,000, an impressive sum at the time.
This sale underscores the enduring value and significance of historical literary artifacts, drawing the attention of collectors and scholars alike.