Catalog Archive
Auction 98, Lot 496

"[Antiphonal Leaf]", Anon.

Subject: Music

Period: 1600 (circa)

Publication:

Color:

Size:
15.4 x 21.5 inches
39.1 x 54.6 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

The origins of liturgical music traditionally date back to St. Gregory the Great (d. 604), who was inspired by the Holy Dove to record the principles of 'Gregorian' chant. The Gradual contained the musical parts of the Missal and was sung from the steps (gradus) of the altar. The Antiphoner contained the musical sections of the Breviary. These terms have become interchangeable in modern times. Because of their size and complexity, these manuscripts were still being handmade in the traditional way for centuries after the introduction of printing. They were boldly hand-written and illuminated on large sheets of sturdy vellum so that the entire choir could read from one book.

A large sturdy sheet of vellum containing mostly the text of prayers. It is written in black ink with red and green initials and a red header at the top of each side. Two staves of five-line music are at the bottom of the verso.

References:

Condition: B

Slight cockling and minor discoloration.

Estimate: $110 - $140

Sold for: $80

Closed on 3/6/2002

Archived