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 grapes – symbol of the blood of Christ) on a liquid gold ground; seven illuminated initials and two illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue, green or red with gold tracery.
The large illuminated “E” begins part of Psalm 26 (King James 27) 7-9, 1: “Exaudi domine…” (Hear, O Lord, my voice, with which I have cried to thee, alleluia. My heart hath said to thee: My face hath sought thee: thy face, O Lord, will I still seek. Turn not away thy face from me, alleluia, alleluia. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear).
The large illuminated “A” begins: “Attende coelom…” (Attend O Heaven…).
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
