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!!! Interestingly, there is a scribal correction on verso (deletion, actually, struck through in red) where the word CAPITA was mistakenly duplicated!
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 intricate red penwork; two illuminated initials in red with delicate blue penwork.
The illuminated “E” begins Wisdom 5:5 “Ecce quomodo…” (Behold how they are numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints).
The illuminated “L” begins: “Lux perpetua…” (Let perpetual light shine upon them Lord, for eternity, alleluia, alleluia…).
The illuminated “V” begins Acts 4:33: “Virtute magna…” (With great power did the apostles give testimony of the resurrection).
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. This leaf is in nice condition for its age, showing the customary signs of use.
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
