Lot 157
Sefer Rabbeinu Bechaye on the Torah - Napoli, 1492 - First Edition - Incomplete Copy
Commentary of Rabbeinu Bechaye on the Torah. [Napoli, 1492. Azriel son of Yosef (Gantzhauser) Ashkenazi Printing Press].
First edition of the famous composition, incunabula printing. This edition was the basis for dozens of printed editions which followed.
Incomplete copy, which includes only Sefer Shmot (except for one page from the middle and last page).
First leaf contains an illustrated title page with a magnificent woodcut, frame adorned with dense flora, peacocks, angels, horses, dears, and more.
Many handwritten corrections and notation of sources. Several lengthy glosses by an unidentified author [Oriental writing – Eretz Israel or Turkey-Salonika, c. 16th century], and many additional lengthy glosses by another author [Yemen?].
[72] leaves (of [288] leaves originally). Approx. 27 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, wear and tears, margins coarsely cut, restored damages. New leather binding.
An additional edition of this composition was printed during the same year (1492) in Spain or Portugal. Portions of it remain, however, it is unclear whether it was completed during the era of the decrees of the Spanish Inquisition.
