11/19/2023 0 Comments Illuminated manuscript illustrations![]() ![]() Randall brings the Book of Hours of Joan II of Navarre in to compare the intense similarities between the two books' bas-de-page illustrations. Randall in his article "Frog in the Middle." Is it possible that this type of content had a program that related to the main program of the manuscript? In Lilian Randal's introduction to her book Images in the Margins of Gothic Manuscripts, she suggests that there might be "an unrecognized underlying scheme." 10 This idea that there might have been programs for the marginal content would be interesting and quite revealing, however, it is struck down by Richard H. This reuse of marginal imagery from the Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux raises an interesting question about bas-de-page illustrations and marginalia. Though the flourishes are less useful in learning about the history of this book, the coat of arms provides us with a wealth of knowledge. At first glance, the eyes are overwhelmed by the lavish flourishes and bright content surrounding the text of the page. This book was created at some point between 14 and it opens up with a beautiful albeit "exuberant pen decoration" 4 as well as the coat of arms for Kaspar II Augsburger and the monastery of St. 3Īt the core of my exhibit, I have chosen folio 1 from Thomas à Kempis', Imatio Christi. As a result, these after the fact additions can be very useful for art historians. The notes and scribbles in the margin reveal things such as past ownership or reader notes. ![]() Furthermore, marginal content tends to be added to the page without planning. While bas-de-page illustration deals strictly with content found at the bottom of the page, marginal illustration and notation can be found anywhere on the page. Randall argues that the protest against bas-de-page illustration had died out due to ecclesiastic, social, economic, and intellectual changes. The Cistercian monk's opposition stems from “a protest against both the distractive influence and the extravagance of this type of ornament.” 2 By the end of the thirteenth century, Lilian M. Few instances of opposition occur when it comes to bas-de-page illustration, but the most notable instance comes from Bernard of Clairvaux. Surprisingly, these illustrations are marked by a widespread tolerance. As Krystyna Weinstein states “fewer conventions limited their imagination when it came to the bas de page,” 1 and as a result, we are left with many manuscripts (often times religious) containing secular, ars profana. Thematically, bas de page illustrations can range from coat’s of arms to comical depictions of animals. However, this does not mean that the illustrations need to relate to the text directly. More specifically, these illustrations tend to come at the bottom of a body of text. Bas de page illustration is the term used to describe any illustrative content that exists at the bottom of a manuscript page. Randal, I thought it might be interesting to explore what might be found in the gutters of the cornerstone of medieval artistry.īefore exploring any manuscript it is important that the terms bas de page and marginal content be defined. Following the lead of art historians like Lilian M. Part of my reason for exploring this topic is because of the interesting nature of the imagery but also because so much time is spent on the main content of a manuscript (for obvious reasons). From learning about provenance to gaining insight into a manuscripts production, the margin and the bottom of the page are key to understanding the Medieval Period. Information that would otherwise have been lost to time or interpretation is solidified by these insightful insertions. The argument that I am looking to make is centered around the idea that the peripheral imagery located around the central content of a manuscript can often times shed more light on a manuscript's history than the main content itself. Often times this content will also be called bas de page illustration. The focus of my exhibition will be tied to the use of marginal imagery within European illuminated manuscripts from the medieval time period. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |