Gregorian Chant - c 1460-90 - Seville - elaborate initials

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Original leaf from a 15th century Gregorian chant. This dilluminated medieval musical sheet was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. (610 x 430mm – 23 ½ x 16 ¾’’) 

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 preserved in the Cathedral of Seville. Once thought to be Pedro da Toledo, he is now identified as Nicolás Gómez – active 1460-90.

Two highly illuminated initials extend the length of the five-line stave and are in burnished gold with and interior floral motif on red or blue ground, resting on an outer rectangular blue or red ground with a delicate floral motif; then extending into the margin in an elegant rinceaux-style border of vines adorned with gold bezants! Two knot-work initials extending the length of the five- line-stave and heightened with yellow.

The illuminated "Q" begins Psalm 125 (King James 26) 5-7:  "Qui seminanti…” (They that sow in tears shall reap in joy).

The knot-work “E” continues verse 6: “Euntes…” (Going they went and wept, casting their seeds).

The knot-work “V” continues verse 7: “Venientes…” (But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves).

The illuminated “O” begins:  “Offerentur regi…”. 

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-11532
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