c 1682 Gregorian Chant - 8 Continuous Leaves - Signed and Dated

$0.00

Eight original leaves (sixteen pages) with continuous text from a large manuscript Spanish Gradual on animal parchment.  Each Leaf measures 533 x 370mm – 21 x 14.5 inches.

Spain: Dated 1682 and signed by the scribe: F (Frater?) Estevan.

The manuscript text and music (7 lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 300 years ago in the 17th century - An attractive and rare example of manuscript calligraphy in excellent condition and containing two notable Christian liturgical texts.

This group is composed of 4 bifolia (joined pairs of leaves, written on each side). The first three bifolia comprises 12 pages of the Nicene Creed and the text is written twice, with two different musical scores. The last bifolia comprises four pages with the Dies Irae. The signature and date are at the conclusion of the last leaf.

The text includes two elaborate knot-work (cadel) initials and one large illuminated initial in red.

The large knot-work “P” is about 5.25 inches square. It begins the Nicene Creed (complete): “Patrem omnipotentem factorem…” (I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were made… I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen).

The illuminated red “P” repeats the creed:  “Patrem omnipotentem factorem…” (Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible…I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen).

The  knot-work “D” begins a thirteenth century hymn Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) – a reflection upon the Final Judgment: “Dies irae…” (THAT day of wrath, that dreadful day, shall heaven and earth in ashes lay, as David and the Sybil say. What horror must invade the mind when the approaching Judge shall find and sift the deeds of all mankind… Full of tears and full of dread is that day that wakes the dead, calling all, with solemn blast to be judged for all their past. Lord, have mercy, Jesus blest, grant them all Your Light and Rest. Amen).

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.

  • Inventory# IM-12922
Sold Out