Gregorian Chant - c 1525 - Elaborate initials

$0.00

Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (560 x 365mm – 22 x 14 3/8’’)  The manuscript text and music (six lines of music on a red five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand dark brown ink over 400 years ago!!!  

Spain, c. 1525 –this leaf is from the Winter Volume (pars hiemalis) which comprised the Offices of Advent, Christmastide and Epiphany.

One illuminated initial in red with violet interior and exterior penwork extending into margin with intricate flourishing; one illuminated blue initial with red interior and exterior penwork; One exceptional knot work (cadel) initial in dark brown ink heightened with yellow.

This leaf continues prayers for Post Epiphany.  The illuminated “A” begins Psalm 25 (King James 26) 7:  “Audiam…’’ (That I may hear the voice of thy praise: and tell of all thy wondrous works).

The knot-work “D” begins verse 7:  “Domine…” (I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth).

As is usual with Medieval and Renaissance parchment, the hair side of the leaf is darker than the flesh side, but may take ink somewhat better.  The differences in tone caused scribes to arrange their quires so that the hair side of one sheet faced the hair side of the next, and the flesh side faced the flesh side.

Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of the Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers and compline.

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-11361
Sold Out