Initials - capital letters within manuscripts' texts - are key venues for decoration, aides in navigating the text, and veritable works of art.

Identifier: dreamsofyesterda00matt Title: Dreams of yesterdays (in the Orient) Year: 1908 (1900s) Authors: Matthews, Frances E. Morgan (Frances Elizabeth Morgan), 1842- Subjects: Publisher: New York, Cochrane publishing co. Contributing Library: The Library of Congress Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress View Book Page: Book Viewer About This Book: Catalog Entry View All Images: All Images From Book Click here to view book online to see this illustration in context in a browseable online version of this book. Text Appearing Before Image: notlong since of a man of some influence who wasde trop in some way and accepted an invitationto dine here, and was never more heard from.The great river Nile never reveals her secrets. CHAPTER XX ALEXANDRIA AND THE SEA LEXANDRIA being Egypts greatseaport, is crowded with warehouses,and in taking a drive about the city,one is struck more by its busy busi-ness life than by its beauty, althoughthere are many handsome buildings.The red granite shaft of Pompeys Pillar/over 100 feet in height, is the only important relicof antiquity in the city; it stands on a slight emi-nence and is some distance from the sea. Cleo-patras Needle, now in Central Park, New York,used to be a rival in interest, and was only sixmiles away, but since 1880, when it was presentedto New York by the Khedive Ismail, the pillarstands alone in its undisputed right of antiquity. In passing out of the harbor, we are shown thecelebrated lighthouse of the Pharaohs, and aresoon rather sadly watching the receding city. 126 Text Appearing After Image: ALEXANDRIA AND THE SEA 127 Our boat moved quickly over the water, andsoon nothing but the low shore was in view of allthat most interesting land, with its camels, cara-vans and water buffaloes, its tombs, ruins andmummies. A few days sailing over the beautifulblue Mediterranean brought us to the island ofSicily, where we watched the smoking ^Etna, andstrained our vision for a sight of Stromboli onthe one side and on the other the bare indentedshores of Italy. Passing through the Strait of Messina, wewere soon in familiar waters, and felt that ourjourney had been one of extraordinary interestand pleasure, some of which we hope to have im-parted to our readers by writing a few of ourDreams of Yesterdays. THE END IH. 17 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. INeutralizing agent: Magnesium OxideTreatment Date: Dec. 2002 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION J 111 Thomson Park DriveCranberry Township, PA 16066(724) 779-2111 Note About Images Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original work.

72 p., 8 leaves of plates : 19 cm

Ah, welcome, dear admirer of artistry and history! Allow me to introduce you to a treasure from the world of medieval manuscripts: Borders, Initials, etc. from Illuminated M.S.S., first published in the year 1800. This is not merely a book; it is a glimpse into the minds and hands of medieval illuminators, those masterful artisans who crafted intricate, dazzling designs to illuminate the pages of manuscripts. Now available in eBook form, this title is your portal to the beauty and mystique of the Middle Ages, where each border, each initial, told a story of devotion, craftsmanship, and unparalleled skill. Imagine holding a collection of borders and initials that once adorned religious texts, royal decrees, and treasured documents. Each letter and every ornament here bursts with life, color, and meaning. This book offers a stunning array of illuminated designs—meticulously detailed and lovingly crafted, each one an exquisite reminder of an age when books were precious objects, cherished for both their content and their artistry. Why You’ll Be Captivated by This Collection This is far more than a simple catalog of borders and initials; it is a visual celebration of an art form that has largely vanished. Each page offers not just designs but a window into a world where every element held symbolic meaning, where artists mixed pigments, applied gold leaf, and painted by hand to make each manuscript a masterpiece. A Collection of Borders and Initials from the Finest Manuscripts: This eBook offers a comprehensive sampling of ornate initials, decorative borders, and intricate designs taken directly from medieval manuscripts. Here, you’ll find everything from gilded letters to elaborate floral borders, each one reflecting the values, traditions, and sheer beauty of the medieval world. A Treasure for Designers, Artists, and History Lovers Alike: Whether you’re a designer seeking inspiration, an artist fascinated by historical techniques, or a lover of medieval art, this collection will captivate you. These designs inspire not only awe but also curiosity about the hands that crafted them and the world they belonged to. Insight into Medieval Craftsmanship: Gain an understanding of the materials and techniques used by illuminators—how they made and applied gold leaf, the pigments they used, and the symbolism hidden within their designs. This collection isn’t just for viewing; it’s for understanding the meticulous skill and patience required to create such art. What You’ll Discover Within These Pages Each page of Borders, Initials, etc. from Illuminated M.S.S. is filled with detailed, high-quality reproductions of medieval borders and initials, offering endless inspiration and insight into the minds of the artists. These designs are far more than ornamental; they’re pieces of history, echoing with symbolism and meaning. A Variety of Styles and Themes: From floral motifs and religious symbols to heraldic designs and fantastical creatures, each piece represents a unique facet of medieval culture. This diversity allows you to experience the broad range of artistic expressions found in illuminated manuscripts, and it’s a veritable feast for the eyes. Unmatched Craftsmanship in Every Detail: The level of detail in these designs is nothing short of astounding. Imagine a single letter adorned with gold, vines, and miniature figures—each stroke of the brush deliberate, each flourish meaningful. The designs in this book are not only beautiful but inspiring in their precision and complexity. Perfect for Modern Artists and Creators: If you’re a designer or an artist, you’ll find ideas in these pages that can be adapted to modern projects, from digital artwork and stationery to tattoo design and branding. These are not simply ancient artifacts; they’re tools to enrich your own creative work. Ideal for Lovers of History, Art, and Manuscript Culture If the idea of owning a collection of illuminated initials and borders makes your heart flutter, then this eBook is for you. It is perfect for historians, artists, typographers, and all who have an appreciation for the artistry of the past. This collection will deepen your love of medieval art, offering inspiration and a new understanding of the passion and skill behind each illuminated manuscript. Don’t Miss This Chance—Add to Cart and Check Out Now! Claim your own piece of the medieval world and let Borders, Initials, etc. from Illuminated M.S.S. inspire your creative spirit. Add it to your cart, proceed to checkout, and allow yourself to be captivated by the enchanting beauty of illuminated manuscripts. The magic of the Middle Ages awaits—order now, and take your first step into a world of unparalleled artistry.

I made a decision several months ago to give up the commission side of my art business. As my calendar had filled with teaching engagements and trips to far-flung places, it became more and more difficult to find time to squeeze in the labor-intensive custom artwork. But when my friend Mary approached me a few […]

15th-century manuscript showing a folio with a sample alphabet. British Library Add MS 88887, f. 26r