Original Manuscript Gregorian Chant from an ANTIPHONAL, 
Spain, c. 1590


IM-12830: Original leaf from a large manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. The initial, manuscript text and music (five lines of dark brown music on a red five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 400 years ago!!!  

Spain (Navarre), c. 1590 

Size: 565 x 380mm – 22.25 x 15 inches. 

One large unusual illuminated initial “S” (170mm square – 6.75’’ square) in  deep blue wrapped with red and green and secured with a yellow stand set in a landscape setting on a grass path surrounded by trees and mountains – all set within a red frame.  

The text continues services for the Fifth Week of Lent: “[lacri]matus est coram…” (cried out Lazarus come forth, and he came forth bound hands and feet…). The large illuminated “S” starts the service for Saturday.

Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of the Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers and compline.

This is an original, more than 400 years old, not a reproduction. It is a finely executed leaf in excellent condition. It comes with a certificate of authenticity.   

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