Original leaf from a scarce Renaissance manuscript Processional Gradual. (183 x 128mm 7 ¼ x 5 1/8’’)
The opening leaf from the parent manuscript states this was a “Gradual for the Carthusian Order.” 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. Two large illuminated initials alternating in blue and pink with delicate white penwork with floral decoration (one with a strawberry – symbol of perfect righteousness) on a liquid gold ground; three illuminated initials and three illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue, green or red with gold tracery.
This leaf is for use on Holy Saturday. The illuminated “C” begins part of Exodus 15: 1-2: “Cantemus domino…” (Let us sing to the Lord: For he is gloriously magnified: The horse and the rider He has thrown into the sea: My helper and protector. He has brought salvation to me. V. He is my God, and I will glorify Him: The God of my father, and I will exalt Him. V. The Lord has destroyed war: Almighty is His name.…).
The illuminated “V” begins: “Vinea…” My beloved has a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. V. And he enclosed it with a fence and made a ditch round it, and planted it with the choicest vine…).
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
