Leaf from an antiphonal

ArtistATTRIBUTED TO Neri da Rimini (Italian, active 1300-ca.1322)

Place of OriginItaly

Dateearly 14th century

Dimensions22 13/16 x 15 3/16 in.

MediumInk, gold and tempera on vellum

ClassificationManuscripts

Object number

1928.183

Not on View

Label TextThis medieval manuscript page combines texts, musical notation, and a decorated initial, all features of antiphonals (ann-TIFF-ah-nulls)—books containing music for daily Christian services. Like today's hymnbooks, antiphonals were used to remind singers of melodies, which were chanted. Typically, the book's scribe made the words and notes very large to allow choir members to see them from a distance. The form of musical notation used here—its staff has only four lines and uses square notes—is typical of the 14th century. While it suggests the pitch, range, and speed of chanted melodies, it lacks the precision of more recent notation. With rich colors and artistic embellishments, this antiphonal page reflects the medieval belief that art and music enhanced the worship of God.