Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (600 x 400mm – 23 ¾ x 15 ¾’’) The manuscript text and music (seven lines of music on a red five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand in black ink with rubrics in red over 400 years ago!!!
Seville, 1612 - Signed and dated by the scribe on the frontis “Simon Rodriguez Caravallo…en la ciudad de Sevilla, Anno domine 1612”.
One illuminated initial in red; three exceptional knot-work (cadel) initials in dark brown ink.
This leaf continues the Office of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The knot-work “E” begins Psalm 44 (King James 45) 2: “Eructavit cor meum…” (My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the king).
The knot-work “G” begins the Glory Be: “Gloria patri…” (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen). ]
The red “A” begins: “Alleluia”.
The knot-work “F” begins: “Felix es sacra…” (Verily thou art happy O sacred Virgin Mary…).
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.
Shipped unmatted.
