"M3271 Illuminated Initial ""E"", From a Gradual, Italy, Padua, ca. 1450   This is a genuine leaf from a Gradual, a liturgical book of texts and music of chants sung by the choir in response to the celebrant of the Mass.  It was written by hand in the 15th century. A single leaf from a Gradual, in Latin, on vellum.  Written in a massive gothic liturgical script in black ink.  Rubrics and four-line staves in red.  Illuminated initial ""E"" of foliate form in various colors of tempera on a ground of highly burnished gold.  Initial ""E"" opens Psalm 81, ""Exultate Deo…"" (sing aloud unto God our strength….)  From a series of lavishly illuminated manuscripts created for the monastery of St. Giustina of Padua. Size 22 1/2 x 16 inches."
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