Original leaf from a 15th century Gregorian chant. This musical sheet was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. (610x430mm)
The music and text (six lines written in rounded gothic script) are written in black ink, on a five-line-stave, with headings and rubrics in red.
Spain: Seville, c. 1460-90.
This striking leaf is related to a series of choirbooks attributed to the Master of the Cypresses who illuminated twenty Choirbooks that are preserved in the Cathedral of Seville. Once thought to be Pedro da Toledo, he is now believed to be Nicolás Gómez – active 1460-90.
The flamboyant illuminated “V” extends the length of the five line stave and is in red with white tracery and richly decorated with a floral motif in orange, blue, mauve, and green on a beautiful burnished gold ground. This initial extends into the margin with an elegant rinceaux-style border of acanthus leaves and flowers in the same rich colors adorned with gold bezants.
The illuminated “O” & “D” extend the length of the five-line stave and are in burnished gold on a ground of blue and red with a delicate floral motif with the “O” extending into the margin in vines of gold bezants!
The illuminated “V” begins the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary: “Vultum tuum…” (All the rich shall come before thee with entreaties…).
Shipped unmatted
