An illustration from the Segunda Biblia de Pamplona (12th century) depicting:
Joshua 10, 12-13: On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies.
Joshua 10, 26: Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening.
In the heart of medieval Spain, in the kingdom of Navarre, a masterpiece of unparalleled beauty was created: the Segunda Biblia de Pamplona. More than just a religious text, this illuminated manuscript is a time capsule that transports us to a world of faith, art, and royal grandeur.
Commissioned by a member of the Navarrese royal family, this Bible is a testament to the patronage of the arts during the Middle Ages. The manuscript's intricate details and high quality reflect the skills of the artisans who created it.
The most striking feature of the Segunda Biblia de Pamplona is its collection of beautifully painted miniatures depicting biblical scenes. These illustrations are not only visually stunning but also provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs and artistic techniques of the time.
Created in the 12th century, this manuscript is a prime example of Romanesque art. Today, it resides in a private collection and is considered one of the most significant illuminated Bibles in existence.
One of the biblical stories depicted in the Segunda Biblia de Pamplona is the tale of Joshua and the conquest of Canaan. This dramatic narrative, where Joshua calls upon God to make the sun and moon stand still, is a testament to the power of faith and the divine intervention in human affairs.
