Original leaf from an 18th century Gregorian chant on fine hand made paper. Latin text with black square-note music on a red four-line stave. (480 x 330mm - 19 x 13’’)
An unusual production – entirely done by hand, not in a printing press. The staves are hand ruled and penciled guidelines can still be seen on the text block. Lettering and designs are a combination of meticulously cut stenciled elements and freehand.
From an Antiphonal produced at a religious commune in Olbia, Italy, c. 1778 (dated and signed elsewhere in the manuscript by the scribe “J. Coudounel”). (480 x 330mm - 19 x 13’’).
One large illuminated initial (2’’ square) in golden yellow surrounded by a flower and stars and a border with golden yellow and pink circles.
The elaborate illuminated ''G'' begins: ''Gaude...'' (Rejoice O Virgin Mary, thou only hast killed all heresies in the universal world. Vouchsafe me to praise thee, O sacred virgin: Give me force against thy enemies. Thou didst remain an inviolate virgin after thy childbearing: O mother of God pray for us...).
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. They were used by priests, monks and nuns in churches and religious enclaves. The large size allowed them to be seen by multiple members of a choral section.
Shipped unmatted.
