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Medieval Manuscripts in the d'Alzon Library: 4c. Gradual leaf (Assumption)

This guide provides context, texts, and images for the nine medieval manuscript leaves in the archive of the d'Alzon Library. It aims to make the collection more accessible to students, educators, and researchers.

Image (recto)

Image (verso)

Context

Origin: France, c. 1600

Provenance: Purchased in France and donated to the d'Alzon Library by Fr. Donat Lamothe A.A. ca. 2000.

Physical description: 35 x 25 cm. Square notation on red four-line staff. Humanistic book script (a type of script emulating Roman capitals that began in Italy ca. 1400 and spread to the rest of Western Europe ca. 1500. The first antiphons of each Mass are introduced with large historiated initials (see below); other initials are situated in unframed squares with vine décor. Fingerprints in margins and fading of the illuminations suggest particularly heavy use. 

Further information: The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is indicated by the rubric, illuminations, and chants on this leaf. The A-initial on the recto side shows a crowned, blue-cloaked Mary assumed into heaven, surrounded by four angels. The G-initial on the verso side depicts the Dormition of Mary prior to her bodily resurrection, with the twelve apostles surrounding her tomb. The style of the initials, including their primary color palette and delicate shading of cloaks and faces, is consistent with 4a-b.

Texts

In addition to parts of the ordinary (Magnificat, Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus), the leaf contains the following chants for the feast of the Assumption of Mary: