Original leaf from a scarce Renaissance manuscript Gradual. The opening leaf of the parent manuscript states this was a “Gradual for the Carthusian Order.” (183 x 128m m 7 ¼ x 5 1/8’’)
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.
Thirty lines written in black ink. Headings, rubrics and ruling in red. Four large illuminated initials in blue or red with delicate white penwork and floral decoration with a butterfly – symbol of the Resurrection of Christ, ladybug, bee – symbol of diligence and religious eloquence, and/or pansies on a liquid gold ground; six illuminated extenders and four illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue or red with gold tracery.
This leaf contains three Devotions to Christ and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The large illuminated “S” begins: “Sapientia aeterna…” (The wisdom of the eternal, the brightness of the glory, and the substance of the Father, which Thou hast created…).
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
