But the Missal should be seen to be properly understood, for
though in a general way it has a look of Italian influence, its
originality is beyond question.
CHAPTER XI
ILLUMINATION SINCE THE INVENTION OF PRINTING
The invention of printing--Its very slight effect on
illuminating--Preference by rich patrons for written books--Work
produced in various cities in the sixteenth century--Examples in German,
Italian, and other cities, and in various public libraries up to the
present time.
The art of printing, as the reading world has been frequently informed,
was invented in the fifteenth century, and undoubtedly had, to a
considerable extent, a destructive effect upon the craft of professional
copyists. But in the fifteenth century the art of the writer and that of
the illuminator had long been separate professions. There was no
particular reason, therefore, why the invention of printing should
interfere with the illuminator. As a matter of fact, it made little
difference. Nor, indeed, did printing entirely put a stop to the
professional career of the scribe. It was prophesied, before practical
experience of facts proved the contrary, that the invention of the
railway engine would abolish the horse. The printing-press did not
abolish the penman, but it certainly spoiled his trade.
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