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8 Large Illuminated Choir Book Vellum Leaves

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
8 Large Illuminated Choir Book Vellum Leaves
[ILLUMINATED CHOIR BOOK LEAVES.] Eight illuminated vellum leaves from large choir books. Sizes range from approximately 19 1/2 x 30 in. to 32 x 21 1/2 in. The leaves have been rolled together and hold a rolled form. Every leaf has one or more large illuminated initials, and two to three styles appear to be represented. One leaf has a figural illustration. Two of the leaves have clipped hand-written notes from the previous owner, which read: "Very early Mexican manuscript (c. 1540), Mexico City, printed by the first Spanish monks to establish themselves in Mexico. The dyes are from local monks, on Spanish vellum"; and "Later Mexican manuscript (circa 1585), monastery of St. Francis of Assisi, native vellum and dyes. Prepared by the converted Indians." They are all in generally good condition. One has extensive repairs, which includes strips of vellum both glued and sewed on with twine. All have toning, some edges with tears, soiling and dampstaining. Two leaves have text on only one side, with the reverse covered in remnant glue.