Within the Society for Creative Anachronism, there are many who learn, research and practice the skills of the artisans of medieval times. Among those skills are calligraphy and illumination. Illumination is the illustrations that accompanied the handwritten texts in books and scrolls. Scribes and artists of the middle ages used parchment (treated animal skins) to write on, until paper was made available. They used handmade inks made from many things, including soot, walnut shells, oak galls and anything that could produce a (hopefully) permanent liquid of the proper consistancy. The paints used in illumination were made of various pigments of vegetable or mineral origin, a few of which are of extremely toxic nature. The pigments were usually mixed into a water-based medium, instead of an oil base such as the Renaissance artists used in large paintings. The closest type of modern paint available now are the guache paints, which are very similar to the medieval pigments. Guache paints are like watercolors in that you mix them with water (and a little ox gall) before using. Unlike watercolors, guache colors are opaque, and can be painted layer upon layer, if necessary.
Most of what I've learned about doing medieval calligraphy and illumination was self-taught, or learned by observing or casual discussion, or by research. Most of the 'scrolls' I've done were used as awards within the SCA. I've also done a few peices as personal gifts. Nearly all the peices I've done are in the hands of others now. Most of the scanned versions here are scanned from color photocopies, unless otherwise noted. All paintings were done with guache paints, all calligraphy is with india ink. I have yet to use real parchment (I'm working up to it!) so these all use high quality acid-free art papers.
When doing award scrolls for the SCA, we often do not know who the person is that we are doing a scroll for. If we are lucky, we do, or we can find someone who does. As scribes, we like to personalize our works for the recipients. Some of the ones below are personalized, most notably the two scrolls meant for a husband and wife. These are only a few that I have done, as I get more scanned, I'll post them for those interested in seeing them. Note that most of these have metallic gold in them, with does not show up well in the scans, even the scans of originals.
Scroll 1 My second attempt at medieval illumination (my first is not going to be put here!). Calligraphy also by me. Based on 14th century french illumination. This was scanned from the original which didn't get used as an award.
Scroll 2 This is a later version of my bar and ivy work. Getting better :) Based on 14th century french illumination.
Scroll 3 This one was drawn by a friend (S. Morford) and painted by me. Calligraphy also by S. Morford, but I cut it out to make the pic smaller. This design is from a much earlier period, I think 12th century.
Scroll 4 This one was done much later, the contents more complicated. It was also personalized for the recipient, note the miniature painted at the bottom. This also turned out to be the first of a matched set, as the lady's husband later recieved an award which I made, to match this one. Based on 14th century french illumination.
Scroll 5 This is the partner to scroll 4, this scan is of the not quite finished scroll. Based on 14th century french illumination.
Scroll 6 This one was a gift for a friend who likes greek myths. I used examples from greek vasework, mixed my colors to match the vases as close as possible. All three of the females at bottom are representations of Artemis, from different sources and periods. The calligraphy is also by me, made up to vaguely resemple greek lettering and still be legible.
The Bibliotheque Nationale de France - Illuminated Manuscripts This site has digital graphics of actual medieval manuscripts online and available for viewing. Excellent resource!
NetSERF: Medieval Art Another nice source for medieval art.
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Last modified Febuary 23, 2003
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