Get ready to embark on a journey through time and culture as we unveil the captivating tale of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex—an ancient treasure straight from the sands of Egypt. This remarkable relic, crafted in Coptic on delicate papyrus, is like a window to the past, and soon, it will find itself in the spotlight at Christie’s auction house in London on June 11. Brace yourself for the excitement because this piece of history is expected to fetch a jaw-dropping sum between $2.6 million and $3.8 million!
Picture this: 52 leaves of papyrus, lovingly penned by a single scribe over the course of 40 years. This isn’t just any old book; it’s a time capsule from the 3rd or 4th century, containing treasures like the first epistle of Peter and the Book of Jonah. And if that doesn’t pique your curiosity, get this—it’s been preserved behind plexiglass in wooden boxes, a modern-day fortress protecting its ancient secrets.
But wait, there’s more to this tale! The Crosby-Schøyen Codex isn’t just a relic; it’s a star in the constellation of historical manuscripts known as the Bodmer Papyri. Discovered in the 1950s, it found its way into the hands of the University of Mississippi in 1981 before being whisked off to its current home with Norwegian collector Martin Schøyen. Eugene Donadoni, the expert from Christie’s, is positively giddy about its significance in textual transmission and the grand tapestry of book history. He even likens it to Gutenberg’s printing press—the holy grail of early publishing!
And here’s the cherry on top: thanks to Egypt’s gentle climate, this ancient gem is in pristine condition, a testament to the enduring power of history. But the Crosby-Schøyen Codex isn’t just a lone ranger; it’s part of The Schøyen Collection, a treasure trove of manuscript masterpieces spanning an impressive 1,300 years of cultural history. So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness history in the making as this extraordinary codex takes center stage in the world of antiquities!
