 Book of Kells Good Morning Wildcats! I hope you were able to take advantage of the sun yesterday and get some fresh air. Today we continue down our Art History and Artistic Movement path… There are way too many to cover during our Remote Learning | Distance Teaching adventure so we are going to have to skip a couple here and there, but I will be sure to show you where we are in the timeline and provide a visual of all of the historical events. Today we learn about Illuminated Manuscripts! A most magnificent and enlightening form of art! I have a couple videos for you to watch after you read through this post and another round of questions to complete and submit. All of the answers to the questions can be located in the text of this post as well as throughout each of the videos. Please enjoy the decadence and detailed craftmanship of these documents! ART HISTORY TIMELINEPrehistoric Art 40,000 - 4,000 BC Ancient Art 30,000 - AD 400 Medieval Art AD 500 - AD 1400 Renaissance AD 1400 - AD 1600 Play slide show below for a review: ART VOCABULARY – become familiar with these terms:
 Medieval Art + The Middle Ages In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and merged into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery and are sometimes referred to as the “Dark Ages” because the great civilizations of Rome and Greece had been conquered. Life was very hard in the Middle Ages. Very few people could read or write. Their lack of knowledge often led to superstitious beliefs. The people thought that fate ruled their existence; therefore, there was little hope for the improvement of their condition. During the years of the Roman Empire, the poor people were protected by the soldiers of the emperor. When the empire fell, there were no laws to protect them, so they turned to the lords to keep the peace and to act on their behalf. This willingness to be ruled by the lords led to the beginnings of feudalism. Some peasants were free, but most became serfs to a lord. This meant they were bound to the lord’s land and paid very high rent to the lord.  A Medieval Painting Depicts the Chilling Image of a Worm Eating Its Way Out of the Body of a French Saint… Imagine a 2-3 foot long worm slowly working its way out of your body. Such is the horror of the guinea worm, which has been plaguing mankind for millennia. Some of the oldest guinea worms are known from the calcified remains of one found in an ancient Egyptian mummy and another possible case mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. The only hope that most people had was their belief that the next life in heaven would be better than life on earth. The Crusades were launched to bring Jerusalem under Christian control because the Muslims had denied pilgrims access to the city. The experiences of the traveling crusaders opened up new worlds and new ideas to the medieval people. Prior to the Middle Ages, many groups of people led invasions in European lands. They included the Huns from Central Asia, the barbarian tribes from Scotland and the Germanic tribes, which included the Vandals, Lombards, Goths and Franks. During the Middle Ages, there were barbarian invasions, which included the Viking raids and the raids of the Mongols, who controlled most of Russia and eastern Europe.  Almost half of the people in western Europe died from the bubonic plague. This disease, which killed 35 million Asians, was brought to Europe by ships coming back from China. Rats traveled on the ships. Fleas living on the blood of these infected rats transferred the disease to people. Lymph nodes swelled and burst and the skin turned a dark gray color. Medicinal care and cleanliness were lacking. Superstition ruled. It should be noted that other parts of the world were thriving in this era. North Africa, the Middle East, China, India and other parts of the world were experiencing great changes. The Renaissance began in about 1450. Renaissance is a French word that means “rebirth.” This rebirth began when European scholars became more aware of and interested in the world around them. The art became more true to life. People began to learn about new lands, customs and beliefs.  The Annunciation to the Virgin, Gualenghi-d’Este Hours, Taddeo Crivelli, circa 1470, Ferrara (The J. Paul Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig IX 13, fols. 3v-4). What is an Illuminated Manuscript? |
| Before the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1439, books were crafted individually by hand. All books were handwritten and decorated. One of the most elaborate books in art history was the Illuminated Manuscript—a unique, handcrafted book most commonly used to recount religious scripture and lore. As the name implies, illumination is the practice of decorating book pages with glimmering gold or silver leaflets, rich pigments, intricate borders, and even elaborate paintings. These embellishments imbued text with “light” and turned each book into an elevated experience. The word manuscript is derived from the Latin words manus (hand) and scriptus, from scribere (to write). Illuminated, from the Latin illuminare (to light up), denotes the glow created by the radiant illustrations that took the form of decorated letters, borders, and independent figurative scenes, also called miniatures. |  Medieval Unicorn Tapestry |
Due to the amount of work involved in creating them, illuminated manuscripts have been regarded throughout history as valuable religious relics. Contemporary historians see them as dazzling works of art, while collectors often seek out individual leaves for decorative purposes as they are among the most affordable artifacts from the pre-Renaissance period. Most importantly, illuminated manuscripts are artifacts of a bygone tradition and remind us how people shared knowledge and stories before technological innovations were possible.
The Alchemy of Color and Chemical Change in Medieval Manuscripts
Saint Matthew the Evangelist * Saint Luke the Evangelist
How the Illuminated Manuscript is Created
TEXT
Text was usually written first. Before preparing for illumination, sheets of parchment or vellum, a writing surface made from calfskin, were soaked and cut down to the appropriate sizes. A scribe would lightly rule the pages with a pointed stick before using a sharpened quill dipped in black ink to lay down text. The text was often given to a second monk to proofread for errors and inscribe titles in blue or red ink. The script style would vary based on local customs and taste. Once the text was completed, the illuminator would then add leaflets of gold and silver and various colored pigments to the pages.
IMAGES
Once the text was set, an illustrator would begin to sketch pre-planned designs onto the parchment. While early manuscripts did not contain many images, the Gothic period saw manuscripts with a larger proportion of decorated borders, foliate patterns, framed miniatures (small painted scenes), and historiated initials (an enlarged letter at the beginning of a paragraph, often containing a picture).
Text was usually written first. Before preparing for illumination, sheets of parchment or vellum, a writing surface made from calfskin, were soaked and cut down to the appropriate sizes. A scribe would lightly rule the pages with a pointed stick before using a sharpened quill dipped in black ink to lay down text. The text was often given to a second monk to proofread for errors and inscribe titles in blue or red ink. The script style would vary based on local customs and taste. Once the text was completed, the illuminator would then add leaflets of gold and silver and various colored pigments to the pages.
IMAGES
Once the text was set, an illustrator would begin to sketch pre-planned designs onto the parchment. While early manuscripts did not contain many images, the Gothic period saw manuscripts with a larger proportion of decorated borders, foliate patterns, framed miniatures (small painted scenes), and historiated initials (an enlarged letter at the beginning of a paragraph, often containing a picture).
Artist unknown, “Scriptorium Monk at Work,” date unknown.
CLASSIFICATION
Illuminated manuscripts are classified by their respective historic time periods, which include:
Richly illuminated books, known as display books, varied between periods. Bibles and personal devotion books were illuminated during the Romanesque era. The Gothic period saw an increase in production of illuminated manuscripts and secular works, including literature and chronicles.
Illuminated manuscripts are classified by their respective historic time periods, which include:
- Late Antique
- Insular
- Romanesque
- Gothic
- Renaissance
Richly illuminated books, known as display books, varied between periods. Bibles and personal devotion books were illuminated during the Romanesque era. The Gothic period saw an increase in production of illuminated manuscripts and secular works, including literature and chronicles.
Illuminations Treasures of the Middle Ages
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Copy and paste these questions into a Google Doc (they will also be available in Google Classroom).
2. Include your FULL NAME on your document so I know who it belongs to - name the FILE and TYPE your name at the top of the document.
3. Answer while you watch the video clips there are some answers in the text as well.
4. Remember while some have exact answers some are your own personal opinion!
Answers can be found through both videos – take your time watching.
I have indicated with numbers how many answers you should have for each question – feel free to do one word answers and/or full sentences when and where appropriate.
You have until Tuesday April 21st 2020 at 12:00 am midnight to email me/share your Google Doc. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me [email protected]
2. Include your FULL NAME on your document so I know who it belongs to - name the FILE and TYPE your name at the top of the document.
3. Answer while you watch the video clips there are some answers in the text as well.
4. Remember while some have exact answers some are your own personal opinion!
Answers can be found through both videos – take your time watching.
I have indicated with numbers how many answers you should have for each question – feel free to do one word answers and/or full sentences when and where appropriate.
You have until Tuesday April 21st 2020 at 12:00 am midnight to email me/share your Google Doc. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me [email protected]
QUESTIONS:
1. Why were Medieval Times/The Middle Ages called the “Dark Ages”? (short answer)
2. What does Manuscript mean? (short answer)
3. Why are Illuminated Manuscripts so important/precious? (short answer)
4. What were books in Medieval times/the Middle Ages made of? (list as many as you can)
5. What did Medieval Manuscript artists make their paint from? Describe some of the materials and process. (short answer)
6. Many of the most brilliant pigments did not come straight from nature but were made through what process?
1-
7. What is alchemy? (short answer)
8. What four contexts does alchemy embrace in its practice?
1-
2-
3-
4-
9. Within the four contexts of alchemy each color had specific meanings.
The color Brilliant Red/Vermillion was associated with what?
1-
10. Many other vibrant pigments result from chemical transformation – what are three additional pigments mentioned in the video?
1-
2-
3-
11. In the 4th century the rectangular format was invented/emerged what was it called?
1-
12. In the 6th century who began to illustrate their codex/books?
1-
13. During Medieval times/the Middle Ages why was it beneficial to have Comic Strip-like illustrations in serious religious books? (short answer)
14. What did the impact of the cluster bombs of extravagant illustrations help the church achieve? (short answer)
15. For a manuscript to be described as Illuminated what must it have? (short answer)
16. Would you consider the profession of creating Illuminated Manuscripts to be dangerous?
Why or Why not? (short answer)
17. In the video what two options/solutions are described if the artist/scribe made a mistake on an illuminated text?
1-
2-
18. Why was Illumination becoming a big business during the 12th century?
What changed/was introduced?
1-
2-
19. What is marginalia? What does it mean? (short answer)
20. What is so interesting/entertaining about marginalia? (short answer)
21. Why are there lot of animals such as bunnies/rabbits used in the illustrations? (short answer)
22. There are two types of medieval illumined manuscripts that many people during the middle ages were most familiar with. These books/codices were the most richly decorated and people even had in their homes which was a symbol of wealth and taste - what are those two codices called/titled?
1-
2-
23. Compare owning an Illuminated Manuscript in Medieval Europe to possessions of today. (short answer + your opinion)
24. What was a big change for religious Illuminated Manuscripts at the end of the 12th century? (short answer)
25. What new + different types of books were being created? Why do you think this happened? (both short answer or answer both at the same time)
26. What was a very strange and controversial text people liked to read for enjoyment towards the end of the 12th century?
1-
27. What was a very popular genre (type or category) of book and what themes did it include?
And what was the title of the first best seller?
1-
2-
3-
28. Who was one of the most famous writers of the day who had his work Troylison Crusade, a great narrative poem, put into Illumination?
1-
29. What in the end revolutionized the production and culture of books?
1-
30. Who developed this invention?
1-
31. Like all new technology what did this invention do? Rendering what practice obsolete? (short answer)
32. Henry the 8th delivered the coup de gras (killing blow)… by ordering what? (short answer)
33. In the 16th century who/what came to the rescue to preserve what was left of the salvaged Illuminated Manuscripts? (short answer)
34. Museum researchers study chemical transformation throughout a pigment’s life. Illuminated Manuscripts are often protected because books are kept closed. In the video they discuss two main ways damage occur – what are they?
1-
2-
2. What does Manuscript mean? (short answer)
3. Why are Illuminated Manuscripts so important/precious? (short answer)
4. What were books in Medieval times/the Middle Ages made of? (list as many as you can)
5. What did Medieval Manuscript artists make their paint from? Describe some of the materials and process. (short answer)
6. Many of the most brilliant pigments did not come straight from nature but were made through what process?
1-
7. What is alchemy? (short answer)
8. What four contexts does alchemy embrace in its practice?
1-
2-
3-
4-
9. Within the four contexts of alchemy each color had specific meanings.
The color Brilliant Red/Vermillion was associated with what?
1-
10. Many other vibrant pigments result from chemical transformation – what are three additional pigments mentioned in the video?
1-
2-
3-
11. In the 4th century the rectangular format was invented/emerged what was it called?
1-
12. In the 6th century who began to illustrate their codex/books?
1-
13. During Medieval times/the Middle Ages why was it beneficial to have Comic Strip-like illustrations in serious religious books? (short answer)
14. What did the impact of the cluster bombs of extravagant illustrations help the church achieve? (short answer)
15. For a manuscript to be described as Illuminated what must it have? (short answer)
16. Would you consider the profession of creating Illuminated Manuscripts to be dangerous?
Why or Why not? (short answer)
17. In the video what two options/solutions are described if the artist/scribe made a mistake on an illuminated text?
1-
2-
18. Why was Illumination becoming a big business during the 12th century?
What changed/was introduced?
1-
2-
19. What is marginalia? What does it mean? (short answer)
20. What is so interesting/entertaining about marginalia? (short answer)
21. Why are there lot of animals such as bunnies/rabbits used in the illustrations? (short answer)
22. There are two types of medieval illumined manuscripts that many people during the middle ages were most familiar with. These books/codices were the most richly decorated and people even had in their homes which was a symbol of wealth and taste - what are those two codices called/titled?
1-
2-
23. Compare owning an Illuminated Manuscript in Medieval Europe to possessions of today. (short answer + your opinion)
24. What was a big change for religious Illuminated Manuscripts at the end of the 12th century? (short answer)
25. What new + different types of books were being created? Why do you think this happened? (both short answer or answer both at the same time)
26. What was a very strange and controversial text people liked to read for enjoyment towards the end of the 12th century?
1-
27. What was a very popular genre (type or category) of book and what themes did it include?
And what was the title of the first best seller?
1-
2-
3-
28. Who was one of the most famous writers of the day who had his work Troylison Crusade, a great narrative poem, put into Illumination?
1-
29. What in the end revolutionized the production and culture of books?
1-
30. Who developed this invention?
1-
31. Like all new technology what did this invention do? Rendering what practice obsolete? (short answer)
32. Henry the 8th delivered the coup de gras (killing blow)… by ordering what? (short answer)
33. In the 16th century who/what came to the rescue to preserve what was left of the salvaged Illuminated Manuscripts? (short answer)
34. Museum researchers study chemical transformation throughout a pigment’s life. Illuminated Manuscripts are often protected because books are kept closed. In the video they discuss two main ways damage occur – what are they?
1-
2-
Medieval Unicorn Tapestry
Thank you all for showing up today and I hope you found todays lesson ILLUMINATING! Wink, wink! I will post all of the answers to these questions on Fragment Friday April 24th after everyone has submitted their answers.
This Friday the 17th I will post the answers to the Prehistoric Art Questions.
Also be sure to check out our Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/wildcat_portfolio_art/
where you can see everyone’s Still Life Self Portrait – guess in the photo comments if you think you know who it is!
Don't forget to do your Art Mission Monday = Still Life Color Wheel or Collage Color Wheel!
Make sure you email me the picture by midnight on Sunday April 19th to receive credit.
As always if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Be well and take care of yourself!
Best,
Nicole Webster Clark
This Friday the 17th I will post the answers to the Prehistoric Art Questions.
Also be sure to check out our Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/wildcat_portfolio_art/
where you can see everyone’s Still Life Self Portrait – guess in the photo comments if you think you know who it is!
Don't forget to do your Art Mission Monday = Still Life Color Wheel or Collage Color Wheel!
Make sure you email me the picture by midnight on Sunday April 19th to receive credit.
As always if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Be well and take care of yourself!
Best,
Nicole Webster Clark
GO FURTHER + DIG DEEPER
Book of Hours of Lorenzo de' Medici - Leafing through the facsimile edition
The Book of Hours of Lorenzo de' Medici is a remarkable manuscript written in littera antiqua by Antonio Sinibaldi, who signed the work and dated it to the year 1485. The small and lavish codex is comparable to a jewel because of the preciousness of the stones that decorate the binding and the elegant illuminations attributed to Francesco Rosselli. It belongs to the group of manuscripts described as 'libriccini delli offitii di donna', meaning the tiny Book of Hours for women’s offices, as cited in the inventory written in 1492 following the death of Lorenzo de’ Medici.
The Book of Hours of Lorenzo de' Medici is a remarkable manuscript written in littera antiqua by Antonio Sinibaldi, who signed the work and dated it to the year 1485. The small and lavish codex is comparable to a jewel because of the preciousness of the stones that decorate the binding and the elegant illuminations attributed to Francesco Rosselli. It belongs to the group of manuscripts described as 'libriccini delli offitii di donna', meaning the tiny Book of Hours for women’s offices, as cited in the inventory written in 1492 following the death of Lorenzo de’ Medici.
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Nicole
Webster
Clark
Visual + Fine Art Educator
Mixed Media Visual Artist
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