The
last establishment produced the celebrated Diemudis, who, though a
woman, was distinguished by a most extraordinary activity and skill.
Nor are these all that could be named, for by no means least among them
we may quote Monte Cassino, many of whose elegant productions have been
published by the present occupants of the monastery. Then the Greek
miniaturists of the eleventh century are once more to the front. The
famous Slav Evangeliary of Ostromir (1056-67) shows us a MS. probably
executed for a governor of Novgorod, which contains by no means
despicable work, whether in the figures of the evangelists or the
ornamental borders. Of course, in Greek MSS. we know pretty well what to
expect; fairly good ornament, rich details of embroidery, etc.,
wilfulness of colour in architecture, mannerism in the attitudes and
faces, but good, clever technic and bright gold.
Lastly, there is the celebrated Evangeliary given to San Benedetto of
Mantua by the Countess Matilda now in the Vatican, enriched with little
miniatures from the Life of the Virgin, which Lanzi declares surpass
everything else he ever saw of the same period.
The Poitevin MS. at Poitiers, a biographical compilation of saints in
honour of St. Radegonde, though nothing wonderful, is worth recording as
a transitional example just before the close of the century.
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