LARGE French Religious 1780 Antique Illuminated Manuscript Page

Once part of an elephant folio Monastic manuscript (from an antiphonaire: chant melody and text sung before and after a psalm verse,), this double side page measures: 27" x 19 3//4'. It originates from a monastery in the south of France and dates circa 1780.

It is hand scribed by a monk on a large sheet of vellum/velin (which was used from the 5th century B.C.). The Latin text of one side is for Dominica, the other side Advent. The title at the top and the music lines are in red ink and the music notes are in black ink. The words are in black ink. At the mid bottom right of the Advent page is an hand drawn and colored festoon of marigold flowers (symbolizes the spiritual power of resurrection).

It is in very good condition in consideration of the edge. The writing and music are still very fresh and clear, as is the illumination festoon of flowers. NOTE:It will be shipped in a thick tube box; it is easily flattened on a flat surface with a large board or books on top for a few days. It is a rare find and a beautiful work of religious art from the eighteenth century.