Original manuscript leaf from an important manuscript Gradual. This beautiful four-line stave musical sheet is on animal parchment, written in liturgical gothic script. Interlinear musical notation is in black on a red four-line stave.(337 x 242mm – 11 7/8 x 9 ½ ’’)
Flanders (Bruges or Brabant?), c. 1510-20.
The Borders are in Ghent-Bruges Style – influenced by Simon Bening, and the Master of the Prayer-books. Closely related to four leaves from a Gradual currently in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (MS. Marlay Cuttings, FL 1-4). Reference: Splendors of Flanders, Cambridge, 1993. Three initials with whimsical faces.
The miniature painting depicts St Bernard (Abbot and Doctor of the Church) dressed in a white habit and holding a Crosier and a book. The elaborate trompe l’oeil floral border contains butterflies, caterpillars, snails, strawberries and other flora.
The text begins Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 15:5: “In medio...” (In the midst of the Church he opened his mouth: and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding...).
Condition note: Old, very professional repair (without loss) to cut in vicinity of initial.
Shipped unmatted
