Original leaf from a medieval Antiphonal in manuscript calligraphy, on animal parchment. Nine lines of text and music written in brown ink on a red four-line-stave. (445 x 325mm – 17 ½ x 12 7/8’’)
Italy, c. 1350-75.
The illuminated initials are painted alternately in deep blue (surrounded by intricate red penwork) & red (surrounded by intricate blue penwork). One exceptional large illuminated initial (3 ½ x 3’’) in deep blue and red, with intricate internal and external penwork flourishes in red and blue. Beautifully executed nearly 700 years ago during the mid-14th century!!!.
The text on Recto concludes the Christmastide feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The illuminated “H” begins: “Hodie…” (Today Christ is born: Today the Savior appears: Today the angels sing on earth, and the Archangels rejoice. Today the just exult, saying: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.)
The antiphonal then begins the Feast of Saint Stephen (December 26th). The large illuminated “S” begins part of Acts 6: 8-10: “ Stephanus…” (And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some of that which is called the synagogue disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke…).
Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of the Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers and compline.
A very attractive early chant leaf with exceptional content and calligraphy. Devotional use is evident, as is residue of paper tape from mounting around the outer edges on verso.
Shipped unmatted
