Original leaf from a scarce Renaissance manuscript Gradual. (183 x 128mm 7 ¼ x 5 1/8’’)
The opening leaf 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. One large illuminated initial in blue with delicate white penwork and floral decoration with a strawberries – symbol of perfect righteousness, a butterfly – symbol of the Resurrection of Christ, and a ladybug on a liquid gold ground; three illuminated initials and three illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue or red with gold tracery.
The elaborate illuminated “C” begins part of Psalm 17 (King James 18): “Circumdederunt me…” (The sorrows of death surrounded me, the sorrow of hell encompassed me: and in my affliction I called upon the Lord, and He heard my voice from His holy Temple. I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength: the Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer. ).
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
