Italian Scribe (2 results)

This illuminated antiphonal leaf from 12th-century Italy, likely Tuscany (c. 1125-1150), preserves chants for the Feast of Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia). Written in Latin in a rounded Carolingian hand, the page features neumatic notation on a single red stave, a transitional form of medieval musical notation. Rubrics in red uncials guide the singer, while blind ruling for sixty lines ensures precise alignment of text and chant. The centerpiece is a historiated initial "L" inhabited by a whimsical bird with red wings and yellow tail, set against a red-and-blue paneled background. This inventive zoomorphic design is characteristic of Romanesque Italian illumination, combining playfulness with liturgical solemnity. The text and chant correspond to Lucia virgo quid a me petis, a responsory sung at Matins for the Feast of Saint Lucy, December 13th. The responsory, set in Mode 7, reflects the veneration of Lucy across Italy, especially in Tuscany, where she was revered as a protector of sight and celebrated as one of the earliest Christian martyrs. This fragment not only embodies the artistry of Romanesque illumination but also provides valuable evidence for the transmission of medieval chant and the devotional culture of 12th-century Italy. Its blend of bold script, whimsical decoration, and precise liturgical function make it a rare survival. Provenance: Italy, likely Tuscany, 12th century Sotheby's, London, 25 April 1983, lot 11 (two other leaves from this dispersed manuscript sold Sotheby's, London, 19 June 1979, lot 1) Private Collection, USA Literature: Cantus: Database for Latin Ecclesiastical Chant, cantusdatabase.

Condition: Very Good. Single leaf from likely from oversized Ferial or Psalter. Italy, likely Bolognese, late 15th c. (21 x 15 inches) Single leaf on parchment. Text of Psalm 1. Inhabited initial B, with King David in prayer, with '[b]eatus' in shell gold on alternating red and blue background horizontal to illustration. Initial formed of acanthus leaves and pink with typical Italian white decoration. Partial border consisting of gilt bars and pink and blue buds with floral spray at top and bottom margin. Line fuller of gold, pink and blue between verses. 15 lines on verso with alternating red and blue illuminated initials decorated with alternating blue and purple pen flourishes.