PLATE I.
Fig. 1,
A THIN border, very frequently used in illuminating by the Italians; consisting of small blue and pink spaces, ornamented with white lacework over the flat ground.
Fig. 2,
Are specimens of various flowers, ornamentations, foliage, the arabesque scroll, etc., which are to be met with in the ancient manuscripts. To give anything like a variety, would fill a volume; to classify them would also be an endless task, since any contrivance to do so would be fruitless: my object being to give an insight to some of the leading features observable in the illuminations: these are sufficient for the beginner. To acquire an accurate idea, I must refer the student to the British Museum. I have given here outlines of subjects most frequently met with; these the student can fill up with colours according to his taste, varying them at pleasure; yet, in preference, he should endeavour to sketch them himself, since it is desirable that he should acquire proficiency in these trifles, for as they generally form small details, to relieve the solid parts, and are intended to fill up blanks, they invariably require to be well executed.
Fig. 3,
Are compartments to be filled up by various solid colours over which the scrollwork or ornaments are applied, either in white, gold, or colours; when in red, it is called damask-work, the patterns of which can be varied in endless variety. Over the gold, engravings with the agate are highly effective, sometimes forming simple ornamentations, or representing embossed chasing.
Fig. 4,
Represents a portion of a scroll to be filled in by a solid colour, over which, after being properly shaded, fine threads of gold may be drawn, or thinly dotted in white. In making these or similar scrolls, care should be taken that they are gracefully drawn, and made to run freely throughout the design.
Fig. 5,
Illustrates fragments of curves with leaves or ornaments which must be ruled-in with the ruling-pen, by the aid of the wooden scroll, the scroll being placed on the pencil-tracing, where a portion of its curve corresponds with the intended design.
Fig. 6,
Are two straight lines ruled parallel and closely together, so as to show a white thread between.