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IM-3697: (610x430mm) Original leaf from a 15th century Gregorian chant. This musical sheet was executed by hand in manuscript calligraphy on animal parchment. The music & text (six lines written in rounded Gothic script) are written in black ink, on a five-line-stave, with headings and rubrics in red.

Spain: Seville, c. 1460-90.

This striking leaf is related to a series of choirbooks attributed to the Master of the Cypresses who illuminated twenty Choirbooks that are preserved in the Cathedral of Seville. Once thought to be Pedro da Toledo, he is now believed to be Nicolás Gómez – active 1460-90.

The flamboyant illuminated “M” extends the length of the five line stave and is in red with white tracery and richly decorated with a floral motif in orange, blue, mauve, and green on a beautiful burnished gold ground. This initial extends into the margin with an elegant rinceaux-style border of acanthus leaves and flowers in the same rich colors adorned with gold bezants. Two calligraphic initials heightened with yellow.

The illuminated “M” opens the Feast of St. Andrew (First disciple & first missionary of Christ): “Michi autem…” (To me, O Lord, indeed, art thy friends exceeding honorable; exceeding mighty is their power).