Original leaf from a large manuscript Spanish Gradual on animal parchment. (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!!!
Spain, c. 1475-1500.
Two elegant puzzle initials 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 - four 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 “A” continues the Agnus Dei “Agnus dei qui tollis…” (Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world grant us peace).
The knot-work “I” begins: Ita missa est (Go, the mass has ended).
The elaborate illuminated “K” begins the Kyrie: “Kyrie leyson…” (Lord have mercy).
The knot-work “X” continues “Xpriste leyson” (Christ have mercy).
The elaborate illuminated “S” begins the Sanctus: “Sanctus…” (Holy…).
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 may also include chants for the ordinary of the Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and for the introductory ‘asperges’ rite.
Shipped unmatted
