Lot 231, Auction 4/3/2026: Massive 1858 Belgian Cistercian Antiphonary – Westmalle

$975.00

In stock

Western Europe, Belgium, Cistercian Order, Westmalle, ca. 1858 CE. A monumental brass-bound choir book, engraved by the Brothers of Westmalle Abbey, this second edition “Antiphonale Cisterciense, ad Ordinis Breviarium dispositum” preserves the measured voice of the Cistercian liturgy in sound and script. Issued in 1858 at Westmalle Abbey in Belgium – “Ordinis Cisterciensis in Belgio” – the volume was prepared according to the Breviary of the Order and engraved under monastic supervision. The chant follows the structure of the earlier 1737 edition compiled by R. D. D. Fr. Andochii Pernot, Abbot General of Cistercii. This edition incorporates amendments authorized and brought to press by R. D. D. Fr. Martini Dom, Abbot and Vicar General of the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, reflecting both fidelity to tradition and careful reform. The text is printed on substantial hand-laid paper, its visible chain lines and soft, fibrous texture characteristic of traditional papermaking. Size: 13.25″ L x 5″ W x 19.75″ H (33.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 50.2 cm)

The creamy leaves have aged to a warm tone, bearing the gentle undulation and edge wear expected of a volume intended for daily liturgical use. Red and black ink articulate the hierarchy of feast days and chants with clarity and solemnity.

The title page, printed in red and black, declares its authority: “Antiphonale Cisterciense… Secunda Editio.” Below appears an engraved ecclesiastical emblem and the Roman date M. DCCC. LVIII. The typography and engraved notation demonstrate the precision expected of a communal liturgical book intended for daily choral use.

Inside, Gregorian chant unfolds in square neumes set upon red four-line staves. Feasts such as “In Assumptione Beatae Mariae Virginis”, “In Festo Purific. B. M. V.”, and “In Festo Corporis Christi” appear in orderly sequence, each antiphon aligned with psalms and liturgical instructions. Large decorative initials introduce major sections, including a finely engraved historiated A framed by scrolling ornament. The visual rhythm of black notation across red staves mirrors the disciplined cadence of Cistercian chant itself – restrained, structured, and contemplative.

The binding is as formidable as the contents. Heavy wooden boards clad in dark, time-worn leather are reinforced with brass corner mounts, hinges, bosses, and clasps. A central oval medallion set within an embossed cartouche decorates the front cover. The thick, rounded spine shows honest wear from repeated handling. Such construction was practical as well as symbolic. Designed for placement on a lectern in the choir, the volume would have been read by multiple monks at once, its durability ensuring generations of use.

This antiphonary represents more than a printed book. It is a communal instrument of devotion. Within the Cistercian tradition – particularly the Order of Strict Observance – chant functions as both prayer and discipline, shaping monastic time through repetition and measured tone. The 1858 Westmalle edition stands within the 19th century revival of monastic life, when communities sought to standardize and preserve liturgical practice after periods of disruption. Brass, wood, leather, paper, and ink come together here in service of sound. Though silent now, the square neumes still map the ascent and descent of voices once raised in unison, binding scholarship, craftsmanship, and sacred music into a single enduring object.

Condition: Front cover is broken in two with peeling, fraying, loosening, and losses to leather. Discoloring and foxes to pages with some folds, tears, chips, and small losses, as well as tattering to edges. Patina throughout. Blue markings throughout from previous owner. Presence of mold on page edges throughout. Text and music are still very clear with good pigments.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired between 1995-2005

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