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 blue with delicate white penwork and floral decoration with a strawberry – symbol of perfect righteousness, on a liquid gold ground; four illuminated initials and three illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue or red with gold tracery.
The illuminated “F” begins Luke 2:48-49: “Fili quid…” (Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business?).
The elaborate illuminated “O” begins Psalm 65 (King James 66): 4, 1-2: “Omnis…” (Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee: let it sing a psalm to thy name. Shout with joy to God, all the earth, sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise).
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
