Imagine a dictionary in which not only actual objects are
pictorially represented, but also abstract terms. Music, philosophy,
virtues and vices illustrated by historical instances--sacred subjects
treated in the manner of the glass painters which is so commonly found
in German and French work of this period.
Of twelfth-century illumination in general it may be said that it shows
a marked effort towards true artistic design and subtle beauty of linear
outline. Some of the noblest curve-drawing, with rich and massive
grouping of foliages, is to be found in the ornamental initials and
dignified border designs presented on the later examples of the century,
and it is very interesting to observe the rapid pace at which the climax
is reached in mere calligraphic ornament after the opening of the Gothic
period. Initials become smaller but exquisitely drawn, and reasonable
expression takes the place of the senseless stare or grotesque
exaggeration of attitude and feature which detract from the artistic
value of all preceding efforts. To conclude our list of German
illuminations of purely monastic production, we will bring forward one
more example of women's work, which whether as regards its curious
illustrations of symbolism, or its richly foliaged geometrical
backgrounds and borders, is one of the most interesting MSS.
Pages:
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147