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”).
One elaborate illuminated ''D"' (3 3/8'' square) in red with black interior and surrounded by black stars and a black floral border all on a golden ground.
The leaf continues the Common of a Confessor. The large illuminated ''D'' begins: "Domine iste sanctus...'' (Lord, this saint shall be admitted to your tent. He acted with justice, he shall dwell on your holy mountain. He asked you for like and this you have give, Lord. You have laid upon him majesty and splendor. You have set on his head a crown of pure gold. He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him; for such are the men who seek him).
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
