Monumental Spanish illuminated choirbook leaf with the Five Wounds of Christ

[Liturgy - Spain]. Illuminated choirbook leaf.

€ 28,000.00

Magnificent Spanish giant choirbook leaf, remarkable for both size and decoration. The four borders are richly painted: the outer rule in black, the inner frame in gold, with deep-blue grounds enlivened by gold and green foliage, flowers, strawberries, and a butterfly. Among the fronds, three putti play; one with club and shield faces a bird in mock combat.

Three large miniatures depict angels with multi-coloured wings kneeling on grass and raising the shroud of Christ, displaying the blood of the Five Wounds, each inscribed "miserere mei". The backgrounds are a deep blue with fine liquid-gold penwork.

Within the text, a large initial ‘G’ in blue and gold anchors the opening. This decoration is closely related to leaves dispersed from the same manuscript, some with Acuña family heraldry, now at the Morgan Library (M.887), the Getty Museum, the Detroit Public Library, and formerly in the collection of Philip Duschnes. The group is thought to have been executed for a member of the Acuña family of Castile, prominent patrons of the early 16th century.