A manuscript believed to have been produced at one of the earliest Christian monasteries in Egypt between 250-350 AD will be auctioned in June by Christie’s auction house. The Crosby-Schøyen Codex, valued at $2.8 million to $3.8 million, is considered one of the oldest existing texts. It signifies a transition from papyrus scrolls to codex form, containing the earliest known texts of two books of the Bible. The 104-page manuscript was written by one scribe in Coptic on papyrus over a 40-year period, housing the complete texts of the first epistle of Peter and the Book of Jonah. Discovered in the 1950s, it was part of the Bodmer Papyri collection and has passed through the hands of various owners, including the University of Mississippi and Dr. Martin Schøyen, a Norwegian manuscript collector.
Dr. Schøyen is now auctioning the Crosby-Schøyen Codex and other pieces from his collection, which span 1,300 years of cultural history. The sale includes other notable manuscripts like the Holkham Hebrew Bible and the Geraardsbergen Bible. The importance of the materials in this collection extends beyond a private or national public collection, according to the auction house. The codex is currently on display at Christie’s New York until April 9, and will also be showcased in Paris before the auction on June 11 in London. The manuscript provides valuable insight into the early Christian monasteries of Egypt and the development of the Bible as books.
The significance of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex lies in its historical and cultural value, shedding light on the transition from papyrus scrolls to codex form during the early Christian period. The presence of complete biblical texts, including the first epistle of Peter and the Book of Jonah, highlights its importance as one of the oldest known manuscripts. Its origin in one of the first Christian monasteries in Egypt adds to its historical importance, showcasing the early Christian practices and intellectual endeavors of the time. The manuscript’s journey through different collectors and institutions underscores its enduring value and contribution to our understanding of ancient texts and religious practices.
Investigating the origins and production of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex provides a window into the early Christian monastic practices in Egypt and the ways in which religious texts were preserved and disseminated. The meticulous work of a single scribe over a 40-year period demonstrates the dedication and craftsmanship involved in creating such valuable manuscripts. The manuscript’s inclusion in the Bodmer Papyri collection and subsequent ownership by Dr. Schøyen further highlight its significance and impact on the study of early Christianity and biblical literature. The upcoming auction of the codex and accompanying manuscripts presents an opportunity for scholars and collectors to engage with these rare and important artifacts, contributing to ongoing research in the field of ancient texts and religious studies.
The auction of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex and other manuscripts from Dr. Martin Schøyen’s collection represents a unique opportunity to acquire rare and valuable artifacts that span centuries of cultural history. The inclusion of other significant pieces, such as the Holkham Hebrew Bible and the Geraardsbergen Bible, showcases the diversity and richness of ancient texts available for study and appreciation. The auction house’s recognition of the importance of these materials beyond individual or national collections emphasizes the scholarly and cultural significance of this event. The codex’s public exhibition in New York and Paris provides a chance for a broader audience to engage with these ancient texts before they find new homes in private or public collections.
In conclusion, the upcoming auction of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex offers a rare glimpse into the early Christian monastic practices of Egypt and the evolution of biblical manuscripts from scrolls to codices. The manuscript’s value lies not only in its historical and cultural significance but also in its contribution to the study of ancient texts and religious practices. The careful preservation and transmission of these materials through various owners and institutions underscore their enduring impact on our understanding of early Christianity and the Bible. The auction presents an exciting opportunity for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts to acquire and engage with these extraordinary artifacts, ensuring their continued preservation and study for generations to come.
