Antique Gothic Rare Illuminated Antiphonal Leaves on Vellum, Italy 14th-15th C.
A refined and visually compelling collection of two large-format illuminated from both sides manuscript leaves on vellum, originating from Italian choir books of the late 14th to early 15th century. These leaves, once part of monumental liturgical codices used for communal singing, exemplify the artistry and devotional culture of the medieval church.
Each leaf is executed in bold Gothic script with square Gregorian notation on red staves, designed for legibility at a distance. The collection includes examples from a Psalter and Antiphonal, encompassing both textual and musical elements of the liturgy.
The group is distinguished by its range of illumination, from finely ornamented initials in red and blue with delicate penwork flourishing, to a more elaborate historiated composition depicting the Adoration of the Magi, rendered in vivid pigments with gold accents and intricate vine borders. This figurative leaf reflects a higher level of artistic sophistication and devotional narrative, typical of important ecclesiastical commissions.
Texts include passages from the Psalms (notably Psalm 26, “Dominus illuminatio mea”) and chants associated with major liturgical moments such as Epiphany and the Office of the Dead. The musical leaves preserve the rhythmic structure of Gregorian chant, with neumatic notation carefully aligned to the text.
Executed on fine animal (sheep) skin (vellum), the leaves display the natural undulation and patina characteristic of medieval parchment...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Gothic Antique Painted Furniture