Codex Amiatinus

Codex Amiatinus, before 716, Laurentian Library, Florence. Made at the twin monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow in Northumbria, it is the earliest surviving manuscript of the complete Bible in the Latin Vulgate, and its abbot Ceolfrith died in 716 while carrying it to Rome. This full-page portrait shows the prophet and scribe Ezra writing in a book on his lap. Look past him at the painted cupboard behind: its open doors reveal five shelves of red-bound volumes, with his pens, ink and a dropped book scattered on the floor at his feet.