M4137 Single Leaf with Illuminated initial "S" from a Vast Gradual, Manuscript Leaf on Vellum, Spain or Portugal, c. 1550

M4137 Single Leaf with Illuminated initial "S" from a Vast Gradual, Manuscript Leaf on Vellum, Spain or Portugal, c. 1550

 A magnificent leaf from a Choir Book written in a Gothic hand in black ink (red text extenders) with five-line staves and rubrics in red.  Large initial “S” on verso in multi-colored tempera on a ground of highly burnished gold leaf.  This initial opens the chant “Salus populi…” (I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord.)  The initial measures 4 x 4 inches.  On recto, large initial “N” in lapis on a ground of burgundy with white tracery.  This initial includes the last verse of Psalm 16, “Notas michi…” (Thou wilt show me the path of life…)  The initial measures 4 ¼ x 3 ½ inches.  Overall size: 28 ½ x 20 ¼ inches.