Gregorian Chant - Italy, c. 1778 - Elaborate initial

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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 large illuminated initial (3 1/4’' square) in red on a yellow ground with stars and flowers, and surrounded by an elaborate border in black. 

This leaf continues the Mass celebrating Apostles and Evangelists. The illuminated red "D" continues the poem:   ''Devota..." (’Twas thus the yearning faith of saints,The unconquered hope that never faints, The love of Christ that knows not shame, the prince of this world overcame. In these the Father’s glory shone; In these the will of God the Son;  In these exults the Holy Ghost...).

The elaborate illuminated "I" begins Psalm 18 (King James 19) 5:  ''In omnem...'' (Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world).

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

  • Inventory# IM-10339
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