Original leaf from a large manuscript Spanish Gradual on animal parchment.
(Dimensions: 533 x 370mm – 21 x 14.5”)
The manuscript text and music (5 lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 500 years ago in the 15th century!!! A patch of parchment added long ago to lower right margin to strengthen where a tear had occurred.
Spain, c. 1475-1500.
One elegant puzzle initial in red & blue with elaborate internal & external geometric "puzzle design" (in the Moorish influenced Mudejar style) in intricate red & violet penwork; Seven elaborate knot-work (cadel) initials heightened with yellow six have intricate internal design in violet.
“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 knot-work “X” continues the Kyrie “Xpriste leyson” (Christ have mercy).
The next two knot-work “X”s repeat “Xpriste leyson” (Christ have mercy).
The next two knot-work “K”x begin “Kyrie leyson” (Lord have mercy).
The exceptional illuminated “G” begins the Gloria in Excelsis Deo ,the well-known Christmas song of the Angels from the Annunciation of the Nativity to the Shepherds, as related in Luke 2: 8-14. “Gloria in excelsis…” (Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men of good will).
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.
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 were used by priests, monks and nuns in churches and religious enclaves. The large size allowed them to be seen by multiple members of a choral section. They may also include chants for the ordinary of the Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and for the introductory ‘asperges’ rite.
An attractive leaf with important text in excellent condition, showing minor devotional wear.
Shipped unmatted
