A precious collection of 15th century Gregorian liturgical songs was sold at auction on Saturday. The Romantic Agony sold for 160,000 euros, plus the 25% costs, in Brussels. It was sold to a foreign private collector, probably Italian, according to the auction house spokesman Johan Devroe.
It has belonged to a Belgian family since the 50s. The manuscript weighs 21 kilos, and measures 63cm by 43cm. The perfectly preserved collection was the main item in the 2 day auction.
The gradual, as this type of collection is known, was probably ordered by a rich patron of the French King’s court to give to a convent or abbey.
The huge volume has 175 pages of religious music. It is decorated with gold leaves. The manuscript includes a series of 12 miniatures and 218 letters painted in capital letters.
The gradual was estimated at between 60,000 and 80,000 euros.
(Source: Belga)
