Louis-Jean Robiou, Bishop of Coutances - Antiphonarium Constantiense - 1842

This very large antiphonarium, titled Antiphonarium Constantiense, is an imposing 19th-century French liturgical choir book dated 1842. Complete.

Its title page identifies Coutances as the place of publication and P. L. Tanquerey as the printer. The edition was issued under the authority of Louis-Jean Robiou, Bishop of Coutances, firmly connecting it with the ecclesiastical history of Normandy.

Antiphonaries supplied the sung texts used in the Divine Office. Their generous proportions allowed singers gathered around a lectern to read together, making such volumes essential furnishings of church and religious-community choirs. The photographed pages display Latin devotional texts and square-note plainchant notation, alongside French guidance concerning chant.

The substantial brown leather binding features a raised-band spine, brass corner protectors and metal fastening fittings. These practical elements belong to the enduring tradition of working choir-book bindings, designed for repeated handling rather than purely decorative display. Approximately 52 cm high, the volume has considerable visual presence.

Its religious decoration includes episcopal heraldry, with a shield, ecclesiastical hat, tassels, mitre and crozier, together with an ornamental printed tailpiece.

With the volume are handwritten French theological notes discussing Christian doctrine, sacraments, virtues and commandments.

Combining monumental scale, identifiable regional publication and historic musical content, this antiphonarium offers an engaging focus for collectors of sacred music, antiquarian books and French religious heritage.

Condition
An impressive historic volume with substantial age-related wear. Leather shows rubbing, cracking, flaking and small losses at the edge of the spine.

1 of the 2 fastening straps is missing.

Printed text remains clearly legible. It is complete, no missing pages.

Provenance
France — private collection.