Medieval Manuscript Illumination on Vellum
This course introduces the art of manuscript illumination through a beautiful Book of Hours now held in the Morgan Library. Books of Hours were devotional manuscripts containing prayers and psalms used for daily worship at the canonical hours. Many have survived to the present day and provide some of the finest examples of late medieval illumination.
On this course, students will learn about the history of manuscripts, including the Book of Hours, illumination and miniature painting, and the different types of parchment used by artists. The course will then explore how to prepare vellum for painting by mounting it onto a rigid support and treating the surface with a traditional mixture of pumice powder and gum sandarac.
Once the vellum has been carefully prepared and sanded, students will trace and transfer your chosen zodiac design from Book of Hours MS G.14 onto the surface. The class will then focus on gilding, beginning with the application of raised gold using improved gold body and the preparation of traditional shell gold. You will also prepare the main colours used in illumination before moving on to painting, shading, and the final finishing touches.
By following these traditional techniques, you will create a finished illuminated zodiac sign on vellum, approximately 20 × 20 cm.
This course introduces the art of manuscript illumination through a beautiful Book of Hours now held in the Morgan Library. Books of Hours were devotional manuscripts containing prayers and psalms used for daily worship at the canonical hours. Many have survived to the present day and provide some of the finest examples of late medieval illumination.
On this course, students will learn about the history of manuscripts, including the Book of Hours, illumination and miniature painting, and the different types of parchment used by artists. The course will then explore how to prepare vellum for painting by mounting it onto a rigid support and treating the surface with a traditional mixture of pumice powder and gum sandarac.
Once the vellum has been carefully prepared and sanded, students will trace and transfer your chosen zodiac design from Book of Hours MS G.14 onto the surface. The class will then focus on gilding, beginning with the application of raised gold using improved gold body and the preparation of traditional shell gold. You will also prepare the main colours used in illumination before moving on to painting, shading, and the final finishing touches.
By following these traditional techniques, you will create a finished illuminated zodiac sign on vellum, approximately 20 × 20 cm.
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