Life and Art in 15th Century Bruges: An Apprentice’s Point of View

“The apprentice sharpens the quills, fetches the ink, and ensures the vellum is smooth, for in these small services he learns the grand art.”

Anonymous, French Manuscript (15th century)

Welcome to another installment of “Journey and Art in 15th-Century Bruges.” This time we explore the daily life of Jehanne Bening. That’s me, or at least my SCA persona. Jehanne is an advanced apprentice in Simon Bening’s renowned workshop. Join her day filled with creativity, learning, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Morning: Preparing for the Day
As the first light of dawn broke over the Bruges’ canals, Jehanne and her fellow apprentices were already hard at work. Since we lived in the Masters home we started our day with a prayer and common household chores.

At the Bening workshop, they prepared the day’s essential materials. Jehanne meticulously ground minerals and other substances to create the vibrant colors that would bring manuscripts to life. She prepared the various inks needed for writing and decoration, ensuring they were of the highest quality. Additionally, Jehanne ensured the parchment or vellum was smooth and ready for the delicate tasks of gilding and painting.

Once the materials were ready, the apprentices set up the workspace for the day’s activities. They carefully arranged the pigments, brushes, quills, and other tools Simon Bening and the senior artisans would need. This preparation was crucial for maintaining the workshop’s efficiency and ensuring that everything ran smoothly.

Midday: Learning and Practice
The heart of Jehanne’s training occurred midday. Under the watchful eyes of Simon Bening or a senior journeyman, Jehanne practiced copying existing pages of letters, designs and motifs. This was a critical exercise in honing her drawing and painting skills. Receiving direct instruction and feedback was invaluable, helping her to refine her techniques and improve her craftsmanship.

Afternoon: Collaborative Work
In the afternoon, Jehanne and her fellow apprentices assisted with larger projects. They worked on less critical parts of the manuscripts. These parts included borders or large initial letters. This practice allowed them to develop their skills while contributing to the workshop’s output.

Jehanne also spent time studying completed manuscripts to understand different styles and techniques. She discussed artistic principles and methods with Master Simon Bening and other workshop members. A vital part of her development as an artist.

Evening: Preparing for the Next Day
As the day drew to a close, Jehanne and the apprentices prepared the workshop for the next day’s tasks. They were responsible for cleaning all the tools and ensuring that brushes, quills, and other instruments were kept in pristine condition. They set up the materials and tools for the journeymen ensuring everything was in order for another day. This structured routine not only helped them develop their skills but also instilled a sense of discipline and dedication.

Additional Learning
In addition to their artistic training, apprentices would also learn to read and write, as literacy was essential for understanding the texts they were illuminating. They might also be exposed to other forms of art and culture, such as music or poetry, which could inspire their work.

Leisure Time

Apprentices in the Bening workshop, including Jehanne, did manage to squeeze in some leisure time, though their days were filled with demanding tasks. Living and working in close-knit communities, they often socialized with fellow apprentices and others in the household or workshop. Local festivals, religious feasts, and communal celebrations were key social events, offering a welcome break from their meticulous work. The men might unwind with simple games like ball sports or wrestling—activities that provided a bit of fun and relaxation.

Jehanne found joy in music, singing, and storytelling. Apprentices would gather to hear tales or songs, passing down cultural traditions in a way that brought them closer together. Some apprentices, ever the overachievers, even used their free time to sketch or experiment with new techniques, honing their skills further.

Church attendance was a regular part of 15th-century life, and apprentices like Jehanne participated in these services as part of their spiritual and community life. Moments of meditation and prayer offered them a chance to reflect and find peace amidst their busy schedules. While their free time was limited, these activities helped them balance the rigors of their training with moments of relaxation and personal enjoyment.

The Journey from Apprentice to Master
The path from apprentice to master illuminator was a long and rigorous process. This journey typically lasted 7 to 10 years. During this time, apprentices like Jehanne progressed through several stages:

The first few years focused on learning the basics, like preparing materials, mixing pigments, and copying simple designs. As they gained experience, apprentices took on more complex tasks. They learned to apply gold leaf and worked on minor parts of manuscripts. In the later years, they learned more advanced techniques. They started contributing to significant parts of the manuscripts under the master’s supervision.

Living and Working in Bruges
Jehanne lived in Simon Bening’s household. She and other apprentices received food, lodging, and basic necessities in exchange for their labor. Her family, being wealthier, also provided some support. Apprentices were typically paid a small allowance. They also took on small commissions or side work to earn extra money, with the master’s permission.

Guilds played a crucial role in supporting apprentices by providing financial aid, tools, and materials. They also ensured that apprentices received proper training and were treated fairly. Community and networking opportunities further enriched the apprentices’ experience. These opportunities allowed them to grow and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Challenges and Rewards
Manuscript illumination was a highly skilled and intricate art form, presenting many challenges for apprentices. Precision and detail, material handling, artistic techniques, time management, learning from mistakes, and developing a personal style were essential. These components were all part of Jehanne’s rigorous training. This training prepared her and others to become skilled illuminators.

Despite these challenges, the opportunity to work in Simon Bening’s workshop provided a fertile ground for artistic growth. His workshop is renowned for its high-quality work and prestigious commissions. Jehanne, like many apprentices, thrived in this environment of artistic excellence and meticulous craftsmanship.

Conclusion
Jehanne Bening’s day in Simon Bening’s workshop was filled with learning, creativity, and hard work. The structured routine and rigorous training prepared her for a future as a skilled illuminator. This preparation contributes to the rich legacy of manuscript illumination in medieval Bruges. Join us next time as we delve deeper into the fascinating world of Jehanne’s 15th-century Bruges.

Sources:
digitalmedievalist.com

en.wikipedia.org/apprenticeship
en.wikipedia.org/15th century

en.wikipedia.org/illuminated manuscript
historyofinformation.com

medievalchronicles.com
metmuseum.org/illuminated manscripts /articles
smarthistory.org/15th century Bruges
visitbruges.be /history