Original leaf from a scarce Renaissance manuscript Gradual (183 x 128mm 7 ¼ x 5 1/8’’).
The opening leaf states this was a “Gradual for the Carthusian Order.” France, c. 1550 – From the Royal Workshop of Henri II. Small highly illuminated manuscript music was very uncommon and expensive, usually reserved for royalty, the very wealthy or members of religious orders from notable families.
Eight lines in red ink with text and musical notation in black ink (on a four-line stave), on animal vellum. Headings, rubrics and ruling in red. One large illuminated initial in pink with delicate white penwork and floral decoration with columbines – symbol of the Holy Spirit, and a ladybug on a liquid gold ground; six illuminated initials and three illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue or red with gold tracery.
The illuminated “E” begins Psalm 16 (King James 17) 1: “Exaudi…” (Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication).
The second illuminated “D” begins Psalm 14 (KJ 15) 1-2: “Domine…” (Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? Or who shall rest in thy holy hill? He that walketh without blemish, and worketh justice).
The elaborate illuminated “E” begins part of Psalm 30: 7-8, 2: “I have hoped in the Lord: I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy. For thou hast regarded my humility. In thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: deliver me in thy justice).
Graduals contain the musical chants for the proper of the Mass: introits, graduals, tracts, alleluia, offertory and communion verses, and sequences for special feasts. They may also include chants for the ordinary of the Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei and for the introductory ‘asperges’ rite.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
