AW6-430: 16th Century Latin Gregorian Aniphonal Manuscript With Illuminated Letters

16th Century Latin Gregorian Antiphonal Manuscript Double Sided Folio Page With Illuminated Letters. Ink on Vellum. 

Dimensions: Frame 21.75"h x 15.5"w

Comments: Antiphonal manuscripts, also known as antiphonaries or antiphonies, are liturgical illuminated choir books designed to be seen from the lectern by a group of singers during the Divine Office, the eight prayer services celebrated daily by monks, nuns, and clerics of the Catholic Church. These books typically contained antiphons, responsories, and often times hymns. They were mostly hand written in Latin on handmade vellum. Lyrics and music are found to be hand scribed in black ink with red rubrics. The manuscripts' illuminations primarily take the form of historiated initials marking each of the major holidays of the church year.