Palencia Passional (Passiones, benedictiones, lamentationes et reliqua)

This printed passional is considered the first printed book in Palencia, Spain, and is one of the few surviving copies around the world. Printed in 1536 by Diego de Cordoba, this liturgical book was commissioned by Bishops Francisco de Mendoza and Luis Cabeza de Vaca, both bishops of Palencia. This passional includes a variety of chants for Holy Week, including the Lamentations of Jeremiah, the Passion, and the Gospel tones for Christmas and Epiphany. The first leaf of each of the Gospels contain illuminated and lettered borders in red, blue, green, and black. The historiated initials of the letter P that introduce the Passion chants depicts Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The initials and borders are attributed to Juan de Vingles, a sixteenth-century Spanish illustrator.

Printed in 1536 by Diego de Cordoba, Palencia, Spain.[1] Acquired by Cristobal de Capillas.[2] Acquired before 1983 by Lord Kenyon; Privately purchased in 1983 by Bernard Quaritch LTD, London, England;[3] Privately purchased in 1984 by Arthur (1922–2010) and Charlotte Vershbow (1924–2000), Newton, Massachusetts;[4] Purchased at auction in 2013 by Les Enluminures, Chicago, United States;[5] Purchased in 2014 by Green Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Donated in 2020 to The Signatry, under the curatorial care of Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.

Notes: [1] As stated in the colophon on the last page of the text. Commissioned by Bishops Francisco de Mendoza and Luis Cabeza de Vaca. Little is known of Diego de Cordoba. While this work is considered the first book printed in Palencia, Cordoba’s printing seems limited to no more than three liturgical books. [2] Inscription on black painted panel mounted on the back endpapers reads, “Este Libro es de Cristobal de Capillas, Mando que sede a S. Catherina de Sena.” This presumably describes a location, but neither the individual nor the site has been identified. [3] Correspondence between Museum of the Bible and Bernard Quaritch LTD confirmed their ownership and provided Lord Kenyon’s name and acquisition dates. [4] Book-label of Arthur and Charlotte Vershbow on the front pastedown. [5] Christie’s New York, April 10, 2013, The Collection of Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow, Lot 248.

Christmas