IM-13070: Original large medieval illuminated manuscript leaf with Gregorian chant from a large Spanish Gradual on animal parchment  

Leaf Size: 533 x 370mm – 21 x 14.5 inches.

The manuscript Latin text and music were written in black ink on both sides of the leaf, consisting of 5 lines of music on  five-line staves. 

It was created in Spain, c. 1475-1500, beautifully executed by hand over 500 years ago in the 15^th century!!!  

This leaf has an elegant puzzle initial in red & blue with elaborate internal & external geometric "puzzle design" (in the Moorish influenced Mudejar style) in intricate red & violet penwork. It also has an elaborate knot-work (cadel) initial heightened with yellow and intricate internal design in violet.

The text concludes the Gloria “Sedes ad dexteram…” (Thou who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou alone art the Holy One, Thou alone art the Lord, Thou alone art the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.). The knot-work “G” begins: “Gloria…” (Glory in the highest).  

The elaborate illuminated “S” begins the first three letters of the Sanctus – a prayer which has been part of the Mass since the first century: “San[ctus]” (Holy). 

“A pen with a long slit - half or three-quarters of an inch - was used for drawing these flourishes” (Reference: Mudejar Ornament in Manuscripts, by Frances Spalding, p. 4, Hispanic Society of America, 1953,).  Aside from the pen a sizable amount of talent was also required to produce this amazing fluid puzzle design!

This is an original, not a reproduction, and is in excellent condition with very little devotional wear as seen in the photos.  It comes with a certificate of authenticity.   

Graduals contain the musical chants for the proper of the Mass: introits, graduals, tracts, alleluia, offertory and communion verses, and sequences for special feasts. They were used by priests, monks and nuns in churches and religious enclaves. The large size allowed them to be seen by multiple members of a choral section. They may also include chants for the ordinary of the Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and for the introductory ‘asperges’ rite.

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.