ILLUMINATION IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY
A great change is noticeable in the illuminated work of the twelfth century, one of the most important being the development of initial decoration and the use of raised and burnished gold, and especially the miniatures, which were often introduced within the initial letters. The art of illumination gained considerably during this century, of which the second half is notable for the number of richly-illuminated Bibles of large size that were produced.
In England during this century there is a great difference between the work produced and that of the preceding century. Probably a number of things may be instanced as having caused this. There is hardly a doubt but that the Norman Conquest may have had a great deal to do with the introduction of Continental ideas. It is also possible that the Crusades may have been responsible for a better knowledge concerning the Byzantine and Eastern Schools.
The framing borders to the miniatures, etc., are somewhat different to the loose entwined borders of the Winchester School, being generally simple rectangular bands, either displaying a simple pattern or else practically plain and severe. It is in initial-ornament that the greatest development is noticeable.
In the latter part of the century some very beautiful initials filled with conventional foliage with human, animal, and grotesque forms entwined were produced. Both in miniature painting and also in outline drawing a very definite style was formed.
The Psalter of Westminster Abbey (Royal MS. 2 A. XXII.) is a good example of the miniature painting of this period, while the famous Guthlac Roll (Harley Roll Y. 6) affords a good example of the outline drawing of this period.