Antiphonal Leaf c 1525 - Gregorian Chant - Luke & Psalms

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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 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 knot-work “L” begins Psalm 148: 1:  “Laudate dominum…” (Praise ye the Lord from the heavens).

The illuminated “B” begins Luke 1:68 (the opening of the Canticle of Zachary): “Benedictus…” (Blessed be the Lord God of Israel).

The illuminated “D” begins Psalm 53 (King James 54) 4: “Deus exaudi…” (O God, hear my prayer: give ear to the words of my mouth).

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. This leaf is in nice condition for its age, showing the customary signs of use. 

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-11712
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