Original Gregorian chant leaf from a 15th century medieval choirbook. This musical sheet was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. (610 x 430mm – 23 ½ x 16 ¾’’)
The music and text (six lines written in rounded gothic script) are written in black ink, on a five-line-stave, with headings and rubrics in red.
Spain: Seville, c. 1460-90.
This striking leaf is related to a series of choirbooks attributed to the Master of the Cypresses (identified as Nicolás Gómez – active 1460-90) who illuminated twenty Choirbooks that are preserved in the Cathedral of Seville,
The illuminated “T” extends the length of the five-line stave and is in burnished gold with and interior floral motif on blue ground, resting on an outer rectangular burgundy ground with delicate floral motif; then extending into the margin in vines of gold bezants!
The flamboyant illuminated “E” extends the length of the five line stave and is in burgundy with white tracery and richly decorated with an interior floral motif in orange, blue, red, and green on a beautiful blue ground surrounded by a border of burnished gold. This initial extends into the margin with an elegant rinceaux-style border of acanthus leaves and flowers in the same rich colors adorned with gold bezants.
The illuminated “T” begins Matthew 16:18: “Tues petrus…” (Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church).
The flamboyant illuminated “E” opens the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle: “Ego autem…” (But I, as a fruitful olive tree in the house of God, have hoped in the mercy of God and I will wait on thy name, for it is good in the sight of the saints).
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
