Original leaf from a scarce Renaissance manuscript processional Gradual. The opening leaf stated this was a “Gradual for the Carthusian Order.” (183 x 128mm 7 ¼ x 5 1/8’’)
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 motif with heartsease (pansies), a butterfly – symbol of the Resurrection of Christ, and two ladybugs on a liquid gold ground; six illuminated initials and two illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue or red with gold tracery.
The illuminated “A” begins “Alleluia”. The illuminated “H” begins a prayer for the Octave of Easter - Psalm 117 (King James 118):24 “Hec dies…” (This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us be glad and rejoice therein).
The illuminated “B” begins part of verse 26-27: “Benedictus…” (Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord & he hath shone upon us…).
The illuminated “O” begins Galatians 2:27: “Omnes…” (For as many of you as have been baptized in Christ, have put on Christ).
The elaborate “Q” begins I Peter 2:2 “Quasi…” (As newborn babes, desire the rational milk…).
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
