By 1350 France had absorbed all the antecedent varieties of
illumination. From France, therefore, spring all the succeeding styles
now considered national.
And as is most natural, these styles develop by proximity--the nearest
to French being Netherlandish. The next, as a result of immediate
intercourse, Italian. Then German, Spanish, and the rest, as intercourse
gave opportunity. It is not always an easy matter to say offhand whether
a MS. is French or Flemish. In the earlier days it is not easy to say
whether it be French or English, or even whether French or Italian. But
the distinctness comes later on.
In the fifteenth century the Italian, German, French, and English are
quite distinct varieties. Towards the sixteenth the Netherlandish is
quite as distinct. But the styles of Spain, Bohemia, Hungary, Poland,
though possessing features which identify them to an experienced eye,
are to the ordinary spectator merely sub-varieties of Netherlandish,
Italian, or German.
With regard to the distinctions of schools or local centres within the
same country, the evidence of probable origin has to be corroborated by
historic fact. It is not safe without further proof than that afforded
by general features to affirm that this or that MS.
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