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 on a liquid gold ground; two illuminated initials and three illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue or red with gold tracery.
The illuminated “E” begins Psalm 54 (King James 55): 2-3: “Exaudi deus…” (Hear, O God, my prayer, and despise not my supplication: be attentive to me and hear me. I am grieved in my exercise…).
The illuminated “Q” begins Psalm 13 (KJ 14) 10: “Quis dabit…” (Who shall give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? When the Lord shall have turned away the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice and Israel shall be glad).
The elaborate illuminated “E” begins Psalm 16 (KJ 17) 6: “I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words…).
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
