Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (495 x 365mm – 19 ½ x 14 3/8’’)
The manuscript text and music (8 lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 500 years ago in the 15th century!!! Spain, c. 1490-1500.
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.
Exceptional illuminated initial (52x54mm – 2 x 2 1/8’’) in red & blue with elaborate internal & external geometric "puzzle design" (in the Moorish influenced Mudejar style) in intricate red & blue penwork & extending into the margin in blue; two elaborate knot-work (cadel) initials heightened with yellow; two illuminated initials alternating in red with blue penwork, & blue with red penwork.
“A pen with a long slit - half or three-quarters of an inch - was used for drawing these flourishes” (Reference: Mudejar Ornament in Manuscripts, by Frances Spalding, p. 4, Hispanic Society of America, 1953,). Aside from the pen a sizable amount of talent was also required to produce this amazing fluid puzzle design!
The illuminated “L” begins Psalm 63 (King James 64) 11: Letabitur…” (The just shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in him: and all the upright in heart shall be praised).
The elaborate “S” begins part of Psalm 144 (KJ 145) 10-11: “Sancti…” (Let thy saints bless thee, Lord. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom).
Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers & compline.
Shipped unmatted
