The Arts in the Middle Ages and at the Period of the Renaissance

by P. L. Jacob

Here our summary review of palæographic examples at different periods of the Middle Ages comes to an end. We might follow up our investigations on this point, even after the time when the printing-press was invented, since manuscripts are found of the reign of Louis XIV.; but they were nothing but fanciful inutilities; each century, in order to show itself in its true light, should follow the instincts and the inspirations which belong to it.

FAC-SIMILE OF MANUSCRIPTS.

Fig. 336.—Writing of the Sixth Century, with Capital Letters, from a Manuscript, on Papyrus, of the “Sermons of St. Augustine.”

(Imperial Library, Paris.)

Text.—Spes nostra e[st non de isto tempore, neque de mundo est, neque in ea felicita[te....

Translation.—Our hope is not of this time, nor is it of the world, nor in that felicity.

Fig. 337.—Title and Capital Letters of the Seventh Century, from a Book of the Gospels of Notre-Dame, Paris. (Imperial Library, Paris.)

Text.—Incipit præfatio.