Original leaf from a scarce Renaissance manuscript 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. One large illuminated initial in blue with delicate white penwork and floral decoration with a strawberry – symbol of perfect righteousness, on a liquid gold ground; six illuminated initials and two illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue or red with gold tracery.
The illuminated “A” begins Psalm 24 (King James 25) 1-2: “Ad te domine…” (To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. In tee, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed.
The illuminated “D” opens Psalm 17 (King James 18): “Diligam…” ( I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer).
The elaborate illuminated “D” opens Psalm 26 (KJ 27: “Dominus illuminatio…” (The Lord is my light…).
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
