SET OF FOUR ILLUMINATED ANTIPHONARIES Handwritten antiphonal leaves on vellum skin, early 16th century. century, folio (500 X 730 mm) Framed under glass. The first leaf handwritten in black ink and rubricated over eight lines (BEGINNING OF PSALM 110 "Confitebor tibi Domine in toto corde meo in consilio justorum, et congregationem [...]"), with musical staff at the head, illustrated with a LARGE LETTRINE ILLUMINATED WITH CIGOGINS. Tear in left corner restored. The second folio, handwritten in black ink and rubricated over nine lines (GREGORIAN CHANT IN HONOR OF SAINT FRANÇOIS D'ASSISE and beginning of antiphon "Caepit sub innocentio [...]"), with two musical staves, illustrated with a LARGE illuminated ILLUMINATED INITIALS WITH STORK. The third leaf, handwritten in black ink and rubricated over twelve lines (BEGINNING OF PSALM 4, "Cum invocarem, exaudivit me Deus justitiæ meæ [...]"), illustrated with a LARGE ILLUMINATED LETTRINE. The fourth manuscript leaf, in black ink and rubricated over twelve lines (BEGINNING OF PSALM 20, "Domine in virtute tua letabitur Rex [...]"), with three musical staves at the head, illustrated with a LARGE LETTRINE. An antiphonary leaf is a page from a liturgical book intended for the chanting of the Office. The antiphonary gathers together the antiphons and sung pieces (psalms, hymns) performed by the cantors during the canonical hours. Often large enough to be read collectively, it can be adorned with illuminated lettering and musical notation. Both an artistic and liturgical testimony, it illustrates the importance of singing in community prayer. Given by an anonymous donor.