Original leaf from a 15th century Gregorian chant. This illuminated medieval musical sheet was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. (610 x 430 mm - 24.4 x 17.2")
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 is 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; one extends into the margin in an elegant rinceaux-style border of vines adorned with gold bezants! One elegant knot-work calligraphic initial heightened with yellow.
The elaborate illuminated ''A'' begins: ''Alleluya''.
The calligraphic ''A'' begins part of Psalm 44 (King James 45) 15: ''Adducentur...'' (The Virgins that be her fellows shall bear her company. And shall be brought unto thee with gladness).
The illuminated ''D'' begins part of verse 3: ''Diffusa...'' (Grace is poured abroad in thy lips; therefore hath God blessed thee forever).
Shipped unmatted.
