A decorative manuscript leaf with vibrant deco initials from an antiphonary which was most likely produced in a German scriptorium around the late 1700's. This piece is 100% done by hand--from the coloring, to the words, to the chords & ruling.
The large E initial starts Psalm 133/34 "Ecce nunc benedicite Dominum omnes servi Domini. Qui statis in domo Domini: in atriis domus Dei nostri..." ("Behold now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God...")
On the back, the large N initial starts Simon's Canticle "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace..." ("Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace...")
Condition: As shown, on paper in good condition with some light soiling/browning along edges. 28 x 22cm.