Original leaf from a scarce Renaissance manuscript Gradual. The opening leaf of the parent manuscriipt states this was a “Gradual for the Carthusian Order.” (183 x 128mm 7 ¼ x 5 1/8’’)
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. Three large illuminated initials alternating in blue and pink with delicate white penwork with floral decoration (one with an ant – symbol of wisdom and diligence) on a liquid gold ground; two illuminated initials and two illuminated paraphs in liquid gold over grounds of blue, green or red with gold tracery.
The text continues Psalm 109 (King James 110):1 “[Seda a] dextris…” (Sit thou at my right hand: Until I make thy enemies thy footstool).
The illuminated “A” begins “Alleluya”. The illuminated “D” begins Psalm 2:7: “Dominus…” (The Lord hath said to Me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee).
The Illuminated “L” begins “Laetentur…” (Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad before the face of the Lord, because He cometh).
The second illuminated “L” (with the wonderful ant) begins: “Lux fulgebit…” (A light shall shine today).
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 archiavl 14 x 11'' mat.
