Photographs in Initial Letters, &c.
The introduction of small photographs (of sacred subjects) either into the initial letter, or placed before it, with a simple border in gold, edged with blue, has often a beautiful significance and effect. Care should, however, be taken in the selection, that the picture and the sacred words subjoined have a real connexion with each other. For example, the Magdalene at the foot of the cross is not suitable in illustration of the text, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." A square picture may have the lines of the border prolonged so as to cross at the corners and finish about half an inch from the principal line. An arch may be surmounted with a cross.
Borders.
Borders.
Plain.
To those who prefer concentrating all possible beauty of decoration on the sacred words of a text the most approved border will be that resembling "a riband of blue," which is most simple in execution. Rule a line rather less than a quarter of an inch from the edge of the cardboard, and fill it in carefully and steadily with colour. The ruled line is indispensable to the preservation of a neat and uniform edge. If blue already predominate in the scroll, red can be substituted in the border; gold, without a coloured outline on each side, always looks indistinct. Lines of colour may be drawn within the edge, using a reed pen (or large soft quill), and the long ruler.
Ornamental.
A triple trefoil in each corner, coloured, with gold edge, has a good effect, if the letters are very plain: these should, however, be in addition to a plain coloured edge or border.—Ornamental borders should consist of suitable sprays wound round a thick bar, which gives an appearance of solidity, the grace of curved lines being much enhanced by contrast with the perpendicular or horizontal.
Reverse Side of Scrolls.