A decorative, double sided velum manuscript with detailed initial heads. Latin text with four stave musical notation and square style notes, of the time. A later notation handwritten on the reverse “Baptemes, mariages et sepulture 1670”, indicates this antiphon was used to line a book of hymns for baptisms, marriages and burials, in the 17th century. This is evident by the cut and folded edges of the piece of velum.

Framed between two panels of non reflective glass. Overall size H 500mm, W 600mm

An antiphon is a piece of religious text set to music, usually in the form of a Gregorian chant. They are usually written on vellum ( parchment ), typically made from calf or goat skin.

From the 14th century, paper became more widely available and affordable. By the 16th century, paper had largely replaced vellum for pages however continued to be used for covers, before being replaced by leather.