IM-13573: Original leaf from a large medieval Choirbook. This musical leaf was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. The five lines of music and text were written in Gothic Textura (" black letter" book hand script) in dark brown ink on four-line staves.
France, c 1450
Size: 21.75 x 15 inches ( 555 x 380mm)
The large red Lombard style illuminated initial "I" on verso is embellished with intricate violet penwork flourishing extending into the left margin with two faces!
Gregorian chant text continues Psalm 18: 2-3: “Annuntiat…” (the firmament declareth the work of his hands. Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night showeth knowledge).
The large illuminated “I” begins: “illumine oculos…” (Illuminate my eyes, lest I sleep in death…).
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.
Very clean and in nice antiquarian condition - rippling and toning evident from previous mount , particularly along the left and right margins.
Shipped unmatted
