Hey all! In the spirit of Women’s History Month, Herrad of Landsberg (c. 1130 – July 25, 1195) from Hohenburg Abbey, one of the most powerful abbeys in France. This abbey offered women some of the best education available at the time. Herrad was not just a leader—she was a visionary. She created the Hortus Deliciarum…
At last August’s Lonely Tower Scriptorium, I picked up a preprint award scroll to finish. By the next event, I had it done and turned in. You know, I wrote about it here. And you know what? It felt amazing to be excited about a scroll I painted again. Even though it was just one…
Have you ever stumbled across a historical figure so colorful and so intriguing? You just want to invite them to coffee—or maybe a pub—just to hear their stories firsthand. Well, meet Raphael de Mercatellis. He lived life at the intersection of privilege and power. His life also embodied piety and a passion for the written…
I was cleaning out old images when I stumbled across this gem from way back in 2008. What better excuse to share it than Thursday? Just like when I started this blog and writers called it “Throwback Thursday.” This is a calligraphy and illumination piece I created for my dear SCA friend, Luciana. Luci was an…
When we think of the Middle Ages, it’s easy to imagine knights and castles. Books and SCA lovers, however, find true treasures in stunning illuminated manuscripts of the medieval world. These are glorious miniature works of art on medieval pages of parchment. What’s even more amazing is that we know a few names of these…
“Where hands and minds combine, the painted word shines bright. In Bruges, masters craft the heavens in their works, making gold and light dance upon the page.”—Attributed to a 15th-century observer of the Bening Workshop Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining me as we recap the journey of Jehanne Bening, a 15th-century apprentice in Bruges….
“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…
“What beauty is, I know not, though it adheres to many things.” – Albrecht Dürer, 16th century Introduction: Hey, all! Are you curious about medieval art, workshops, or what life was like in the Middle Ages? As an SCA artisan, finding the right resources can make all the difference when recreating medieval art. Whether you’re…
Now I’ve written the whole thing; for Christ’s sake give me a drink. -15th century scribe Hey everyone! If you’re a scribe in the SCA, this might sound familiar, but stick around. We’re diving into the artistic process of creating a 15th-century illuminated manuscript. Whether you’re new to this or just need a refresher, let’s…
“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…
Hey there, friends! Do you know the senses of a great craft competiton? The kind you hear the hum of conversation. The scent of slow-cooked meat. And the sight of beautifully crafted projects. It could only be Calontir’s Kingdom Arts and Sciences Competition. It is one of my favorite events of the year! This time,…
Humor often cuts through serious matters more forcefully and effectively than sharpness. — Horace, Satires Book 1, Satire 10, Line 14 Hey, friends! I came across something interesting today—a post about the history of memes. Naturally, my mind went straight to thinking about how far back memes might go. I was hoping for a fun…
“Where hands and minds combine, the painted word shines bright. In Bruges, masters craft the heavens in their works, making gold and light dance upon the page.” Anonymous (15th-century), on the Bening Workshop In the bustling city of Bruges, the Bening workshop stood out. It was a beacon of artistic excellence. This was during the…
Heraldry has always been more than just a pretty design—it’s the mirror of the soul, showcasing both the virtues of the past and the hopes for the future. -Bartolus de Saxoferrato in the 14th century. If you’re a reenactor, are you fascinated by historically accurate heraldic devices? Or maybe you just enjoy the art of…
Hello scribes and historical arts fans! As SCA scribes, we have the incredible opportunity to bring the past to life through our award scrolls. One of the best ways to deepen our craft is by diving into the world of illuminated manuscripts. These historical treasures offer a wealth of inspiration and insight, helping us to…
Hello, dear readers! I have some exciting news to share with you all! I’m launching a new blog series that will transport us to the enchanting city of Bruges in the 15th century. In it we’ll walk in the steps of Jehanne Bening, my persona. Jehanne is a talented craftswoman working in the famous workshop…
Hey there, fellow historical art enthusiasts! If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a Laurel in the SCA, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the world of artistry, creativity, and what it means to achieve this prestigious title. Creating Art: The Core of the Laurel PathTo become a Laurel, you have…
Hey everyone! I recently tackled a writing prompt provided on this blog’s host site. It’s about impactful books, and I couldn’t help but dive into my love for manuscript illumination. The Codex Manesse first sparked my passion—its 14th-century miniatures are just breathtaking! Initially I tried to motivate someone in the Barony of the Lonely Tower…