Medieval Gregorian Chant (music) manuscript page on parchment/velum/animal skin, 15th-16th century. This manuscript had been framed in the early to mid-20th century (frame shop label can be seen in last photo)
Documents like this were bound and used in an abbey as a music book for monks to sing from. The text is the Gregorian chant from the mass on the Lenten Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr (December 26). Text: the end of the Alleluia, the entire Offertory, and the entire Communion (verso). Script: Gothic Rotunda (also called Gothic Southern Textualis). The "In" at the bottom of the verso is likely a prompt for the verse starting on the next page.
Text translation:
ALLELUIA VERSE (Acts 7: 55)
1. Video caelos apertos, 2. et Jesum stantem 3. a dextris virtutis Dei.
1. I see the heavens opened, 2. and Jesus standing 3. at the right hand of the power of God.
OFFERTORY (Acts 6: 5; 7: 59)
1. Elegerunt Apostoli Stephanum levitam, 2. plenum fide et Spiritu Sancto: 3. quern lapidaverunt Judaei orantem, et dicentem: 4. Domine Jesu, accipe spiritum meum, 5. alleluia.
1. The Apostles chose Stephen, a levite, 2. a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost: 3. whom the Jews stoned, praying and saying: 4. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, 5. alleluia.
COMMUNION (Acts 5: 55, 58, 59)
1. Video caelos apertos, et Jesum stantem a dextris virtutis Dei: 2. Domine Jesu, accipe spiritum meum, 3. et ne statuas illis hoc peccatum, quia nesciunt quid faciunt.
1. I see the heavens opened and Jesus standing on the right hand of the power of God; 2. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, 3. and lay not this sin to their charge.
data: size ~ 10.25" x 16", 2-sided
condition: one side shows yellowing, manuscript puckered/wavy esp. toward center, tear at upper corner
origin: likely Western Mediterranean Europe (Spain, southern France, or Italy), ca. 1450-1550 C.E.
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