6. MISSALE ROMANUM, in Latin. [Flanders, c.1575-1600]. illuminated manuscript on vellum. 16mo (148 x 105 mm). 118 leaves only, including 5 blanks. Collation: [1-4 (in 8s); 5 (in 4s); 6 (in 8s); 9-10 (in 10s); 11-16 (in 8s); 17 (in 7s, last quire uses last leaf as pastedown (+ i vellum flyleaf)]. 20 lines written in black ink in a semi-gothic bookhand between two verticals, ruled in light brown, justification: 87 x 62 mm, rubrics in red, prickings visible at outer fore-edge. one full-page miniature of the crucifixion at the opening of the Canon (f.45v) surrounded by a full border of flowers and birds, the opposing page also surrounded by a border of colorful acanthus scrolls and two birds on brushed gold and white grounds of a geometric design, similar horizontal and foliate borders appear on the opening leaf. 2 five-line and several four-line similar capitals of burnished gold on colored grounds, numerous in-text capitals in alternating red and blue. Contemporary blind-stamped calf, two brass clasps fastened by rosettes. Condition: slight cropping to heads and tails not affecting text, small wormholes to the first few leaves and front and back boards, occasional darkening to vellum; joints cracked at head and tail, spine head and tail chipped with some loss, extremities rubbed. Provenance: contemporary inscription to the rear pastedown “Joannes grare. figurarum Auditor anno Domini 1636.”; Mr. le Cte. de Nedonchel (bookplate).
Contents: The Solemnity of Solemnities, Introit commonly read on Easter Sunday, Ps. 138, 18, 5, 6; The Collect; Epistle, I Cor. 5. 7-8; The Sacrifice of Praise (ff.1r-3r); The Introits, Gradual and Alleluia, Gospels, Offertory, Secret, Communion, Post-Communion (ff.3r-35r); Proper Preface for Christmas, “Æterne Deus; Quia per incarnati Verbi mysterium nova mentis…”, Preface for Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Feasts of the Holy Cross, Feasts of Apostles (f.37r-f.42v); Opening for the Canon (f.43r), “Gloria in excelsis deo. Et interra pax homnibus bone voluntatis…”; Canon of the Mass (f.46r); Consecration, Lord’s Prayer ( f.51r), Prayers, the Peace and Reception. Leaves from previous Introits bound in here until the end of the manuscript (f.118r).
an exceptionally fresh, bright missal; the Crucifixion miniature an excellent example of fine Flemish work from the period.
est. $3000 – $5000