This is an antique vellum page of music, most likely from an antiphonary, a book of music used for religious services. The verse is from Mark:8-9, when Jesus is anointed at Bethany. When onlookers rebuke a woman for anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, Jesus defends the woman's act. The Latin translates as, She has anticipated anointing my body for burial. Verily, I say unto you, Wheresoever the gospel shall be preached through the world, what she has done. . . .
The vellum is handwritten on both sides. It features square notes, known as "quadratic notation," and the music is written on four lines or staves, rather than the more modern five lines. The words would have been chanted without musical accompaniment. Although dating this particular page is difficult, the use of Latin, the square notes, and the four staves are typical of the medieval period. With Easter approaching, this framed antique manuscript would make an unusual and appropriate gift.
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15368-100
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