Antiphonal Leaf - Gregorian Chant c 1480 - Puzzle Initial

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Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (585 X 420mm – 23 X 16 5/8’’) 

The manuscript text and music (six lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 500 years ago in the 15th century!!!            Spain, c. 1480.

One exceptional illuminated initial (150x153 mm – 5 7/8 x 6’’) in red and blue with an elaborate internal and external geometric "puzzle design" (in the Moorish influenced Mudejar style) in intricate red and blue penwork and extending beyond the initial into the margin in an elaborate floral design in blue and red.

“A pen with a long slit - half or three-quarters of an inch - was used for drawing these flourishes” (Reference: Mudejar Ornament in Manuscripts, by Frances Spalding, p. 4, Hispanic Society of America, 1953,).  Aside from the pen a sizable amount of talent was also required to produce this amazing fluid puzzle design!

The elaborate illuminated “E” begins the Feast of the Epiphany: “Ecce advenit dominator…” (Behold the Lord, the Ruler is come: and the Kingdom is in His hand…).

Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers & compline.

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-12042
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