SCARCE Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Choirbook Leaf

Master of the Cypresses, Spain c. 1460-80

 Gregorian Chant: Psalm 44

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IM-10159:  Original leaf from a large handsomely  illuminated 15th century Gregorian chant. This medieval musical sheet was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. (610 x 430mm - 24.4 x 17.2 inches).

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.      

 Spain: Seville, c. 1460-90.

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. This master is now identified as Nicolas Gomez – 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 or blue ground, resting on an outer rectangular blue or red ground with a delicate floral motif.  They extend into the margin in an elegant rinceaux-style flourish of vines adorned with gold bezants!

The elaborate "F" begins Psalm 44 (King James 45) 10: "Filie..." (The daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory.  The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety).   

The next elaborate "F" begins Psalm 118 (KJ 119) 121, 128:  "Feci..." (I have done judgment and justice: give me not up to them that slander me. Therefore was I directed to all thy commandments…).   

This is not a reproduction – it is original about 525 years old, in nice condition as shown in the photographs. There is very minor staining and devotional wear to the leaf. It comes with a certificate of authenticity.

 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.

We have been full-time dealers in Illuminated Manuscripts, Maps, Prints and Antiquities since 1980.