Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (495 x 365mm – 19 ½ x 14 3/8’’)
The manuscript text and music (8 lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 500 years ago in the 15th century!!!
Spain, c. 1490-1500.
Exceptional illuminated initial (54x58mm – 2 x 2 ¼’’) in red & blue with elaborate internal & external geometric "puzzle design" (in the Moorish influenced Mudejar style) in intricate red & violet penwork & extending beyond the initial into the margin in an elaborate floral design in violet; two elaborate knot-work (cadel) initials heightened with yellow; one illuminated initial in red with violet penwork.
“A pen with a long slit - half or three-quarters of an inch - was used for drawing these flourishes” (Reference: Mudejar Ornament in Manuscripts, by Frances Spalding, p. 4, Hispanic Society of America, 1953,). Aside from the pen a sizable amount of talent was also required to produce this amazing fluid puzzle design!
The elaborate puzzle initial begins: “Nos autem…” (But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: in whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by whom we are saved and delivered, alleluia, alleluia).
Th e first knot-work “D” begins: “Deus…” (May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us; and may He have mercy on us.)"
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 Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers & compline.
Shipped unmatted
