Life and Art in 15th Century Bruges: Challenges and Rewards

ByJehanne Bening

“Writing  is  excessive  drudgery.  It crooks  your  back,  it  dims  your  sight,  it  twists  your  stomach  and  your  sides.”  —  The  scribe’s  lament.

Hey, friends. Can you imagine the toll that illuminating manuscripts took on the artists and scribes of the Middle Ages? The quote above from a 9th-century Irish manuscript is perfect. It captures the physical strain endured by scribes and illuminators bent over their desks for hours on end. They worked with gold leaf, silverpoint, vellum, and vibrant mineral paints. Their goal was to create beautiful and intricate manuscripts. However, this work came at a steep cost to their bodies.

In today’s post, we’ll explore the daily challenges that Jehanne Bening, my SCA persona, encountered. Her colleagues also faced these challenges as they worked to create these masterpieces. While their artistry was precise and beautiful, the process required immense physical and mental endurance.

Detail of a miniature of Prudence writing at her desk, with pupils before her,from Laurent d’Orleans’ La somme le roi, France (Paris) 2nd quarter of the 14th century, Royal MS 19 C II, f. 48v

Precision and Patience: Mastering the Art
Illuminated manuscripts didn’t happen overnight—they were the result of a painstaking, multi-step process. First, animal skins were transformed into parchment. Then came the copying of texts, painting of miniatures, gilding, and finally binding. Jehanne and her fellow scribes were responsible for layout, script, and decoration, each demanding incredible precision.

The Bening workshop contracted outside specialists to handle the parchment-making and binding. This allowed Jehanne to focus on the intricate task of painting and gilding each page. It wasn’t just about artistic skill—mastering this craft required steady hands, patience, and an eye for detail.

Prayer Book of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg: text page with decorated borders, f 124, J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Endurance Under Pressure: Jehanne’s Daily Challenge
Beyond the precision, the work was physically grueling. Jehanne, like other manuscript artists, spent long hours hunched over her desk. She probably worked in a dimly lit room to avoid the fire hazards of candles. This poor lighting strained her eyes, and the constant, careful movements of her hands led to painful cramps. Maintaining the posture needed for such delicate work often led to back and rib pain. It also caused issues with internal organs.

Despite these challenges, many scribes continued their work well into old age, battling conditions like arthritis and cataracts. They pushed through the discomfort because their work—preserving knowledge and creating art—was seen as vital.

Speed and Stamina: The Race to Meet Deadlines
The pressure to work quickly added to the physical strain. Some scribes were remarkably fast. The 15th-century scribe Giovanni Marco Cinico was known as “Velox” or “Speedy Boaster.” He could complete a manuscript in just a few days. Illuminators, too, could finish two to three miniatures in a day when the deadlines loomed.

Even for seasoned artisans, speed and precision were a double-edged sword. They could produce stunning work in record time, but the constant demands took a toll on their health. Yet, in the Middle Ages, the aches and pains of the job were seen almost as badges of honor. Chronic pain was a common experience, one that could even hold spiritual significance. Some believed that saints could take on the suffering of others, transforming pain into something sacred.

The Economic Reality: Stability or Stress?
Simon Bening’s work was highly sought after by patrons like Emperor Charles V and Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg. While the Bening workshop was known for its financial stability, this success came with its own pressures. High-profile commissions meant high expectations, and Jehanne and her fellow artists had to stay focused to avoid costly mistakes.

The workshop’s economic stability provided a secure livelihood, but the constant need to meet patrons’ demands could be exhausting. Despite the challenges, the workshop’s prestige afforded its artisans a comfortable life by medieval standards.

Balancing Craft and Well-Being
Jehanne didn’t work in isolation. The Guild of St. Luke, which I mentioned in an earlier post, played a crucial role in supporting artisans like her. The guild regulated work hours, offered training, and helped resolve disputes. These actions provided a sense of community and protection for artists.

Outside of the guild, Jehanne likely found solace in her local church, attending mass regularly. The services were in Latin, a language she didn’t understand. However, she knew prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary by heart. She recited them for comfort and for luck.

Manuscript Leaf with Adoration of the Holy Name, from a Book of Hours

Conclusion: Strength in Craft
Jehanne’s story, like that of many 15th-century manuscript artists, is not just about artistic brilliance. It also represents resilience. She endured physical strain and mental fatigue to create lasting works of beauty. In my next post, I’ll discuss the lasting legacy of the Bening workshop. I will also cover how their reputation left an indelible mark on the art world.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the daily life of a medieval scribal artist. Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating world of 15th-century Bruges!

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  1. Pingback: Life and Art in 15th-Century Bruges: A New Blog Series – An Itinerant Scribe

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