Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (670 x 473mm – 26.5 x 18.75’’)
The manuscript text and music (five lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand nearly 600 years ago in the 15th century!!! Candle wax drippings in the lower back margin attest to the devotional use.
Spain, circa 1400-1440.
One exceptional illuminated initial (110 x 75mm – 4/38 x 2 7/8’’) in red and blue with an elaborate internal and external geometric "puzzle design" (in the Moorish influenced Mudejar style) in intricate violet and blue penwork.
The elaborate illuminated “T” begins: “Tu es pastor…” (Thou art the Shepherd of the sheep, O Prince of the Apostles! To thee hath god given all the kingdoms of the world…).
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.
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.
Shipped unmatted
