M3271 Illuminated Initial “E”, From a Gradual, Italy, Padua, ca. 1450
This is a genuine leaf from a Gradual, a liturgical book of texts and music of chants sung by the choir in response to the celebrant of the Mass. It was written by hand in the 15th century. A single leaf from a Gradual, in Latin, on vellum. Written in a massive gothic liturgical script in black ink. Rubrics and four-line staves in red. Illuminated initial “E” of foliate form in various colors of tempera on a ground of highly burnished gold. Initial “E” opens Psalm 81, “Exultate Deo…” (sing aloud unto God our strength….) From a series of lavishly illuminated manuscripts created for the monastery of St. Giustina of Padua. Size: 22 1/2 x 16 inches.