ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT CHOIRBOOK LEAF c1460 Seville Spain, 2 SPECTACULAR INITIAS

IM-10180: An original leaf from a 15th century Gregorian chant. This musical sheet was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. The music and text (six lines written in rounded gothic script) are written in black ink, on a five-line-stave, with headings and rubrics in red - beautifully executed by hand over 500 years ago!!! This leaf measures 610 x 430 mm (24 x 17”).

This striking leaf is related to a series of choirbooks attributed to the Master of the Cypresses who illuminated twenty Choirbooks preserved in the Cathedral of Seville. Once thought to be Pedro da Toledo, he is now believed to be Nicolás Gómez – active 1460-90.

TWO HIGHLY ILLUMINATED INITIALS EXTEND THE LENGTH OF THE FIVE-LINE STAVE AND ARE IN BURNISHED GOLD WITH AND INTERIOR FLORAL MOTIF ON RED GROUND, RESTING ON AN OUTER RECTANGULAR BLUE GROUND WITH A DELICATE FLORAL MOTIF; THEN EXTENDING INTO THE MARGIN IN AN ELEGANT RINCEAUX-STYLE BORDER OF VINES ADORNED WITH GOLD BEZANTS! TWO ELEGANT KNOT-WORK CALLIGRAPHIC INITIALS (ONE EXTENDING THE LENGTH OF THE FIVE-LINE STAVE) HEIGHTENED WITH YELLOW.

The calligraphic "H" begins: "Hic est..." (This is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned). The illuminated "V" begins: Psalm 88 (King James 89) 25: "Veritas..." (And my truth and my mercy whall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted). The illuminated "F" begins Luke 12:42: "Fidelis..." (The faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family, gives them their measure of wheat in due season. Alleluia).

This leaf originates from Seville, Spain, c. 1460-90. This is an original, not a reproduction, and its condition is shown in the photos. There is some staining and wear to the text and music on this leaf. One worm hole in outer margin.

This leaf comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

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