Medley: Ecclesiastical Latin
by Catholic Church

The image on this card, taken from a liturgical book published in 1730, shows ecclesiastical Latin as opposed to classical Latin. It is believed that Christian writers of that day used this kind of Latin, which contained Greek embellishments, to appeal to the cultured classes in Rome. In time, what resulted was an existence of two idioms: one for literary circles and one for the less schooled, creating a division between the classes. After the third century BC, a third idiom arose: a medley of the former two.

This image can be found in [Gradual. Selections] Liber antiphonarum at UBC Library's Rare Books and Special Collections (M2148.L42 R6 G73 1730).

Courtesy of Rare Books and Special Collections © UBC Library 

This image is part of the Music Series card set and as a Single Card. To view this set and other gifts, visit our gift shop.   

This image is available as part of our Canvas Treasures Program.
This image is featured as 09-84 in our Custom Greeting Cards Program.