Tag: Medieval Manuscripts

The Rothschild Canticles: An Illuminated Mystery

Giovanni Scorcioni

What do the Holy Trinity, the Desert Fathers, and a terrified man fleeing from a giant snail have in common? Surprisingly, they are all masterfully depicted within the curious yet captivating manuscript known as the Rothschild Canticles. But what connects this peculiar imagery, along with several other profane illustrations found in the margins, to the sacred themes of the text and its full-page theological illuminations? Continue reading, and join us in unraveling the mystery.

Three Bi-Lingual Illuminated Apocalypse Manuscripts

Elizabeth Teviotdale

Explore with Liz Teviotdale the mesmerizing world of three closely related illuminated Apocalypse manuscripts from 14th century England. Uniting the Latin with an Anglo-Norman translation, commentary, and striking imagery, these manuscripts offer a captivating glimpse into Saint John’s apocalyptic visions.

As Precious as Charlemagne’s Crown

Giulia

The Lorsch Gospels, written with gold ink from beginning to end, is so well-preserved one would think it was made yesterday. Yet its full-page illustrations, glowing with real silver and held together by a carved ivory cover, reflect the height of artistic brilliance of Charlemagne’s court.

Teaching Special Collections in the Time of COVID-19

Elizabeth Teviotdale

Elizabeth Teviotdale used a Facsimile Finder video to teach a graduate seminar at Western Michigan University. The lesson should have taken place in the Special Collections library, but was transferred online due to the health emergency. This is the account of her experience.

“Modern Men Like Brevity Above All Things”

Sarah B.

Around 1260, the Catalan mystic Ramon Llull set out to convert Muslims to Christianity with mathematical diagrams – he ended up with a logical method that influenced philosophers for generations.

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