Gregorian Chant, c 1525 Spain - Two elaborate initials

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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 nearly 500 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; one exceptional knot work (cadel) initial in dark brown ink heightened with yellow.

This leaf continues chanted hymns for Post Epiphany.  The illuminated “D” begins:  “Delectare…” (If you find your delight in the Lord, he will grant your heart’s desire).

The knot-work “S” begins: “Spera in…” (If you trust in the Lord, then you will live in the land and be secure.  He will grant. Glory).

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-11710
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