A massive early 18th century stenciled manuscript psalter,
entitled the Davidic Psalter Arranged by the Week According to the Roman Rule
for the Use of the Franciscans and Capuchins. The part of Verspertina.
The main structure of the psalter is as followed: Dominica
ad Vespere, Feria ad Vespere, Sabbat ad Vespere, Hymni Vespere de Tempore,
Hymni per Annum, Commune Apostolorum, Commune Martyrum, Commune Confesorum,
Commune Virginum, Dedicationis Ecclesiae.
Following these sections, are two additional, smaller sections,
done entirely in black ink, the first one being In Festo Gabrielis Archangeli,
or the Feast of Gabriel the Archangel. The second is Feria III.
This manuscript is primarily stenciled throughout in black
and red, though a few pages have been done entirely by hand. Although one of
the common traits of stenciled manuscript work is the gaps in some letters, it
is possible that those gaps were very carefully filled in, as can be seen with
some letters bearing additional layers of ink or paint.
This manuscript has been enhanced with 10 hand drawn
illustrations, beginning on the title page, with a highly detailed illustration
of King David playing the harp, and nine large initials done in hand by that
same artist, possibly a draughtsman, based on the skillful level of execution.
The manuscript has been further enhanced with numerous woodcut initials in red
done by hand, and numerous woodcut initials that have been carefully and
precisely pasted, with one printed initial difficult to discern from the hand
drawn examples, as it has also been partially embellished by hand. Woodcut
decorations have been pasted in as well, with examples of pricking noted to a
number of pages where additional decorations would have been added. Five
massive full-page engravings have also been bound into this work. The first
engraving is that of Saint Francis, by Theodor Verkruis a Dutch engraver, after
Carolor Maratti an Italian painter. The second engraving is that of The
Annunciation, by Nicolas Laigniel, produced circa 1680.
This manuscript has been bound in an impressive and
contemporary binding, metal fittings, and brass bosses to the corners, though
several rivets are lacking. There are also two straps, being of a later make to
likely replace the originals, that wrap around to keep the book locked.
One stenciled manuscript in large folio (51.5 x 39 cm),
188+(7)+XCVI+(4)+17+(2)+XXXIX pages
This manuscript is in very good shape, with minor rubbing
and scuffing to the binding, and some stress to the hinges, with the lower
front hinge splitting. The title page has been restored and mounted on several
layers of paper. There are some repairs throughout, many to the margins, and a
few tears as well. There is foxing and staining throughout.