Unravelling the history of a venetian antiphonary

Abstract

We present the results of a multifaceted study of an antiphonary—liturgical song book—presumably made in Venice in 1607, now in the Ringve, National Music Museum of Norway in Trondheim1. The book is hand-sewn on raised cords, bound in full leather on cardboard covers, originally with metal clamps. The paper block consists of pages printed in black and red that include both song texts and music scores. The red ink is based on vermillion and red lead while the black ink is carbon based. The treads and cords were made of flax. The leather used was made from goat skin. Radiocarbon results confirmed the printing date. The antiphonary shows several signs of repair including the possibility of re-binding. Animal-based glue was used for the repairs as well as for the sizing of both original and repair paper. Two potential periods were identified for reparations, 1670–1710 AD and 1782–1830 AD. This case study was conducted prior to the opening of a new permanent exhibition, Soundtracks, at the Ringve Museum where the book is displayed.