Gregorian Chant - Several illuminated initials - c. 1550

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Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (555 x 385mm – 21 7/8 x 15 1/8'')  The manuscript text and music (six lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 450 years ago!!!

Spain, c. 1550.  This Choirbook once belonged to the Convent of San Pedro Regalado de la Aguilera, and was likely scribed there.

One illuminated initial in blue with red penwork; one illuminated initial in blue with red and blue penwork; one illuminated initial in red with blue penwork; one cadel (knot-work) initial.  

This leaf continues the Common of a Martyr.  The illuminated ''R'' begins:  ''Regem...' (The Lord, the King of Martyrs, O come, let us adore him). The illuminated ''D'' instructs the reader to sing the 6th century hymn Deus Tuorum Militum (O God Thy Soldiers Crown and Guard).  

The illuminated ''I'' begins Psalm 1:2: ''In lege domini...'' (His will is the law of the Lord).  The knot-work ''P'' begins: ''Praedicans...'' (Preaching the commandment of the Lord on his holy mountain...).

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-11087
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