Original leaf from a large manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. It measures 600 x 400mm – 23 ¾ x 15 ¾ inches.
Scribed and illuminated in Seville, Spain in 1612 - This is a very rare leaf, with the date it was scribed (1612) clearly noted on one of the large initials. Additionally, the parent choirbook was signed and dated by the scribe on the first leaf “Simon Rodriguez Caravallo…en la ciudad de Sevilla, Anno domine 1612”.
The manuscript text and music (seven lines of music on a red five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand on both sides of the lleaf in black ink with rubrics in red over 400 years ago!!! The leaf contains one illuminated initial in red and three elaborate knot-work (cadel) initials.
This leaf's text continues the Gregorian Chant for the Feast of Saints Tryphon, Respicius and Nympha. The knot-work “B” begins Psalm 33 (King James 34) 1: “Benedicam…” (I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my mouth).
The knot-work “G” begins the Glory Be: “Gloria patri…” (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen).
The illuminated “A” begins “Alleluia”.
The dated knot-work “P” begins Psalm 115:15 (King James 116:15): “Pretiosa…” (Precious in the sight of the Lord…).
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.
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
