Orden: Ehrenspiegel des Hauses Österreich (Buch VII) – BSB Cgm 896, p 332r. Augsburg Germany 1559Orden des goldenen Vließes: Ehrenspiegel des Hauses Österreich (Buch VII) – BSB Cgm 896, p 331r. Augsburg Germany 1559Orden des goldenen Vließes: Ehrenspiegel des Hauses Österreich (Buch VII) – BSB Cgm 896, p 331v. Augsburg Germany 1559
Welcome January! And welcome January coloring pages!! This month I wanted to continue our travel west (from before Halloween), so that we can explore medieval art outside of Europe.
According to the Bodleian, this Arabic manuscript is a composite of divinatory works, from around the late 14th century A.D. It contains astrological, astronomical and geomantic texts compiled by Abd al-Ḥasan Al-Iṣfāhānī.
Kitab al-Bulhan, the Book of Wonders, and other works, 1330-1450. Oxford, Bodleian Library MS. Bodl. Or. 133, fol 33b.Kitab al-Bulhan, the Book of Wonders, and other works, 1330-1450. Oxford, Bodleian Library MS. Bodl. Or. 133, fol 38b. Kitab al-Bulhan, the Book of Wonders, and other works, 1330-1450. Oxford, Bodleian Library MS. Bodl. Or. 133, fol 42b.
Welcome December; the end of the year, the closing of a door and the opening of another, a month that holds the longest night of the year as well as the path that leads us to Spring.
This month I decided I wanted to emphasize December as a bookend to the year; a fly leaf within a manuscript. So, I chose this exemplar which depicts beautiful heraldic imagery at both the front and the back of the tome. Something that had never crossed my mind was the possibility that beautiful illumination could be outside of the main body of work. It is a gentle reminder that the beginning and the end, the opening and closing of the year, the book, the story can be just as beautiful as the main event.
Along with the fly leafs, I included another image from the various illuminations; a picture of giving. However we as humans enjoy this time of year, there tends to be a tone of giving, of showing appreciation, and of providing for those in need. I appreciated this image as another reminder that this time of year, though dark, cold, dreary, and scary, can have sparks of light, love, friendship, and hope.
A cheer to the end of the year, the beautiful and creative bookend. A toast to the reminder that there is more, that there can be something beautiful before the next chapter.
Colonne, Guido delle. Historia civitatis Troiane, MSS17805 (1325), fol 4r. MadridColonne, Guido delle. Historia civitatis Troiane, MSS17805 (1325), fol128r. Madrid ((top image))Colonne, Guido delle. Historia civitatis Troiane, MSS17805 (1325), fol149. Madrid
I has so much fun creating the little figurines for October, something new each week to play on the spooky month, but I was ready to get back to the larger coloring pages that I have been working on over the last month.
So, here we are, just in time for the season of gathering! Speaking of gathering, this months pages features the gathering of fruits and medicines.
Say hello to the Tacuinum Sanitatis, the Latin translation of the treatise on Arabic dietetics Taqwīm al-ṣiḥḥa written by the physician Ibn Buṭlân in the 11th century(German translation added in 16th c). There are images all through the manuscript of fruits, roots, berries and herbs being collected for various purposes.
Of course this had me thinking of how we, as humans, gather. Whether it be gathering what nourishes us, or gathering as groups to create community; how do you gather?! Feel free to share your favorite gathering traditions below; and as always, I’d love to see your creations!
Tacuinum Sanitatis (pears), Ms. Lat 9333, fol 3v Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris. n.d.Tacuinum Sanitatis (sweet cherries), Ms. Lat 9333, fol 8v Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris. n.d.Tacuinum Sanitatis (bananas), Ms. Lat 9333, fol 17v Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris. n.d.
The final installment of the Spook-tober coloring pages is here! And what better way to celebrate the season where the veil between worlds is thin, where we decorate pumpkins, turnips, and potatoes to ward off evil spirits, and where we mask ourselves to trick and cause mischief. Demons. They are seen all throughout illuminated manuscripts; marching through homes, seducing women and men, stealing children, escaping the pits of hell. You name it, a demon is likely depicted doing it. Occasionally, demons were shown as people and animals alluding to their inescapable presence. Much like the Memento Mori last week, demons could appear anywhere and wreak havoc on the lives of just about anyone.
As we approach Halloween, All-Hallows-Eve, and Samhain, I want to share some images of demons in a variety of places, and doing a variety of things. Some are rather humorous, and some can be more ominous. But what spooky season is complete without the looming thought of death, and the loss of one’s soul to the pits of Hell?!
Prose version of pèlerinage de vie humaine of Guillaume de Deguilevillle, Hainaut ca 1490 Genève Bibliotheque de Genève MS fr 182 fol 162vPsalter Oxford ca 1210. Munched Bayerische Staatsbibliothek Cls 835 fol 70r (146).Jean Manuel, La fleur des histories, Flanders ca 1480. Bibliotheque de Genève MS fr 64 fol 297r
Ahhh yes, now that we are well into the month, let’s explore some truly spooky things… Skeletons!
The Memento Mori, or death remembered, was a way for medieval artists to personify death so that the viewer would remember it was always there, wherever we were.
The Memento Mori were generally shown doing tasks that a living person would do, in all places that living beings would go. Again, this was to reiterate that death was everywhere, waiting for anyone.
This spooky season, I challenge you to consider how we, those living in the 21st century, feel about skeletons throughout the year. Do we appreciate them only when the leaves fall? Are they always something scary?Medical treatise, England 15th c (British Library, Royal 18 A VI, fol 34v)
This week’s spooky coloring pages are themed for Grotesques and other such curious creatures. Perhaps they arent “spooky” but they do embrace the spirit of this time of year, showing that they can be one, or two creatures, imaginary or real!
I specifically chose three grotesques that have very different features; one that resembles no known creature, one that greatly resembles a primate, and one that could be a cross between two animals.
Next week we shall explore the amazing world of skeletons!
WELCOME OCTOBER and happy 1 year anniversary to my Scribal Coloring Pages project! So to celebrate we will explore the grim, ghostly, and ghoulish side of medieval illuminated manuscripts.
This month, I will be posting a small collection of spooky-themed images each Monday, rather than three full page re-creations.
Today, we will see various styles of bats! There are many ways that we see bats represented in medieval illumination, some more anatomically correct than others. It is always interesting to consider how medieval artists learned what various animals looked like; did they see one themselves, did they read about it or see it in a picture, or were they told word-of-mouth and used their imagination to fill in the blanks?! And of course, how many people had heard and passed down that description before it reached the ears of an artist?
Happy October all, and don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Facebook and Instagram!
Since our last set of coloring pages, we have been moving around the globe to highlight some lesser-known medieval manuscripts.
For August, I bring you pages from and Herbal Manuscript (Iraq or Syria).
I have been trying to bring more awareness to medieval manuscripts from all over the world, because I think it is important to remember other cultures and peoples existed, sharing their ideas on art, sciences, maths, languages, and martial skills. There were clothings made, fabrics woven, and homes and lives made bountiful beyond what is commonly known as medieval Europe.
So this month, I would like to highlight these pages. The Curator for the LACMA states, “ Beginning in the ninth century and under the direction of the ‘Abbasid caliph, scribes began translating, updating, and expanding ancient Greek scientific and philosophical manuscripts. Among the translated texts was Dioscorides’s De materia medica, a guide to medicinal plants and the inspiration for later herbal manuscripts, from which [these] thirteenth-century page[s] derive. Physicians and pharmacists may have relied on nonillustrated versions of the text in their practice, but illustrated versions such as this one, which often have more limited textual information, were likely commissioned for their visual appeal.
Pal, Pratapaditya, ed. Page from an Herbal Manuscript (13th c.) Islamic Art: The Nasli M. Heeramaneck Collection. Los Angeles: Museum Associates, 1973. M.73.5.408a-bPal, Pratapaditya, ed. Page from an Herbal Manuscript (13th c.) Islamic Art: The Nasli M. Heeramaneck Collection. Los Angeles: Museum Associates, 1973. M.73.5.407a-bPal, Pratapaditya, Thomas W. Lentz, Sheila R. Canby, Edwin Binney, 3rd, Walter B. Denny, and Stephen Markel. “Arts from Islamic Cultures: Los Angeles County Museum of Art.” Arts of Asia 17, no. 6, 1987: 73-130.
For the coloring pages this month, I wanted to explore an exemplar that was a little different. This lectionary is from later period 1594, originating in Romania (with illumination added in Moscow). This gospel is just shy of 8 inches tall (~20 cm).
This text is a mixture of Ancient Greek, Church Slavonic, Old Slavonic, and Old Bulgarian; written in a way that it may be read from as the year progresses (rather than at random).
Did you know: the work lectionary comes from the Latin “lecto”for reading?
I chose this coloring page in the hopes of expanding beyond the more well-known areas of medieval Europe, and seeing what the rest of the world was creating! Let me know what you think 🙂
Walters Gospel Lectionary, for 273r (1594) Greek. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. DigitalWalters Gospel Lectionary, for 9r (1594) Greek. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. DigitalWalters Gospel Lectionary, for 68r (1594) Greek. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. Digital
I felt the need to look at some exemplars that had intricate and intriguing borders to match the bold and luminous central image. It is important to consider the whole image and ways in which to present such image… should there be a small plain border so as not to deviate the attention? What about a border filled with intricate detail, that guides the viewer? Shall there be hidden messages or humor, seen in various marginalia? Or shall there be no border at all? As a medieval scribe, these questions could have had an impact on how the recipient received their new codex.
Evangelistarium Codex, fol 20v, 11th c. Latin. Bibliotheca Laureshamensis, GermanyEvangelistarium Codex, fol 7v, 11th c. Latin. Bibliotheca Laureshamensis, GermanyEvangelistarium Codex, fol 32r, 11th c. Latin. Bibliotheca Laureshamensis, Germany
Happy coloring all! Next month we will look at the Walters Gospel Lectionary!
It’s that time again, the moment I (and hopefully you) have been waiting for!
COLORING PAGES!
This month I wanted to focus on animals, specifically birds! This time of year we hear the outside of our windows, see them at the feeders, and watch them magnetically fly from tree to tree. The Aberdeen Bestiary has a wide variety of animals, including winged beasts, for any bird living artist out there.
Bestiaries are illustrated compilation of animals (both real and mythological) and became popular in the Middle Ages. Much like the pattern book we saw a few months ago, individuals were inspired by what they saw around them, and sometimes, by stories they were told.
I challenge you this month to take a look outside. Reeeaaallllyyy look, and keep track of all the animals you see. Perhaps you aren’t sure what they are; that’s ok! Are there more animals than you imagined? Did you hear of or see any that remind you of what’s in the Aberdeen Bestiary?!
The Aberdeen Bestiary, Owl, folio 50r (1542), University of Aberdeen, Latin (2021)The Aberdeen Bestiary, Halcyon, folio 54v(1542), University of Aberdeen, Latin (2021)The Aberdeen Bestiary, Peacock, folio 59v(1542), University of Aberdeen, Latin (2021)
I was very inspired this last month by the beauty that spring brings – new leaves, flowers and grass; bright inviting colors; warmer weather. This beauty made me think of an exemplar with equal magnificence.
The Jewel Book of Duchess Anna of Bavaria (1552). Hans Mielich (Munich). Digital
The Jewel Book of Duchess Anna of Bavaria (1552) p.59. Hans Mielich (Munich). Digital
This book was commissioned by Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria for his wife Anna (created by Hans Mielich), an inventory of her precious jewelry. Anna was daughter of Emperor Ferdinand I and member of the Hapsburg family.
The Jewel Book of Duchess Anna of Bavaria (1552) p.99. Hans Mielich (Munich). Digital
This exemplar is so intricate, purposefully, to illustrate the glory and status of those who possessed such treasures. And it is not simply the jewels that exude radiance, but their borders highlighting each piece, and too the book itself.
The Jewel Book of Duchess Anna of Bavaria (1552) p.53. Hans Mielich (Munich). Digital
Looking closely at the borders, there are both gold and silver flat gilding around many images, another sign of wealth and status.
The month of March is a time of growth after death, a clashing of warm and cool weather, a delicate and intricate dance of nature. It is for this reason we are focusing on the Lindisfarne Gospel.
The Lindesfarne Gospel, Bishop Eadfrith (#16) n.p. (700). Old English/Latin.
This gospel was revolutionary for the time (as were other books like the Book of Kells) bringing colors, textures, and images to life with new developments in illustration and pigment making.
The Lindesfarne Gospel, Bishop Eadfrith (#4) n.p. (700). Old English/Latin.
Today, I present The Lindesfarne Gospel, Bishop Eadfrith (#4,13,16) n.p. (700). Old English/Latin. This unique exemplar is one of my favorites to look at for its intricate detailing, focused knot-work, and humanoid expression.
The Lindesfarne Gospel, Bishop Eadfrith (#13) n.p. (700). Old English/Latin.
There is such a great mix of border work, architecture, humanoids and animals, and stylized capital letters that really make this gospel enticing.
This month’s coloring pages are brought to you by the Tudor Pattern Book.
Pattern books in history were often used to record things that provided inspiration for artists, craftsman, and fiber-workers. They would be filled with scenes of daily life, flora, and fauna, and were heavily shared among creative circles. Because of this, very few have survived. This pattern book, and it’s sibling (the Helmingham Herbal and Bestiary) and just two excellent examples of such books.
I was inspired by this book for two reasons: the first being it’s elegant simplicity, and the second being, it’s purpose. As I looked over these images these last few months (I discovered these around November I think?) I felt such an appreciation for the creators; to ses what they valued and found beautiful. It made me want to slow down and take a breath. It made me look up from my paper and ask myself “What do I see? What do I value? How different are my values from theirs?” It got philosophical… 😅
So I leave you with this – take a look around. What do you see? How would you create your own Pattern Book? What images would you put in it to reference later?
Happy coloring, and don’t forget to tag your artwork! Let’s see those pages 💜
Bodleian MS Ashmole 1504, the Tudor Pattern Book, 28r. The Bodleian Library, Oxford. DigitalBodleian MS Ashmole 1504, the Tudor Pattern Book, 29r. The Bodleian Library, Oxford. DigitalBodleian MS Ashmole 1504, the Tudor Pattern Book, 26v. The Bodleian Library, Oxford. Digital
Now that we are creeping into the dark dark winter, and beginning our individual versions of hibernation, I set the goal for myself to remind everyone to art. Nothing monumental, and zero pressure because, lets be honest, we are all tired and beaten from this year. I just wanted to help remind everyone of the reason we art; the joy and community we share, and the sense of self, hope, and pride it gives to ourselves and others.
So, in response to the local Chronicler, I decided to create an activity to engage everyone, of all ages and experience levels. That’s right… I made COLORING PAGES!
Take a peek below – I will be making three pages every month from a difference exemplar, and will include the references below each image. They will also be published in each edition of the Malagentia News Letter. I eventually plan to have a calligraphy page, where those who are interested in starting calligraphy can do a “trace along” style piece (like what we used to do in school for cursive). That will be in the works for the coming months. In the mean time – have fun with your art! It is meant to bring yourself joy!
YIS
Codex Manesse, 20r. Heidelberg University Library. DigitalCodex Manesse, 166v. Heidelberg University Library. Digital Codex Manesse, 122r. Heidelberg University Library. Digital
You Bet Collette 