Artists as Teachers:Artists as Teachers:Illuminated LettersIlluminated Letters

Objectives:Objectives:You will…You will…

Identify characteristics of illumination.Identify characteristics of illumination.

Understand the history of calligraphic Understand the history of calligraphic illumination.illumination.

Illustrate a “Versal” for the cover of a Illustrate a “Versal” for the cover of a miniature “Book of Hours”. If time miniature “Book of Hours”. If time allows, illustrate mini cards to go into allows, illustrate mini cards to go into the mini book.the mini book.

Vocab:Vocab: VersalVersal: is a big embellished letter that : is a big embellished letter that

signifies the opening of a line, verse or signifies the opening of a line, verse or paragraph in a manuscript. paragraph in a manuscript.

Illuminated Manuscripts: Illuminated Manuscripts: a manuscript a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniature illustrations.initials, borders and miniature illustrations.

Calligraphy: Calligraphy: fancy writing.fancy writing.

Monograms: Monograms: A design composed of one or A design composed of one or more letters, typically the initials of a more letters, typically the initials of a name, used as an identifying mark. name, used as an identifying mark.

•Illuminated manuscripts were written on parchment or vellum.

•Monasteries

Illumination was a complex and frequently costly process. It was usually reserved for special books: an altar Bible, for example.

Wealthy people often had richly illuminated "books of hours" made, which set down prayers appropriate for various times in the day.

Monograms: Monograms: A A design composed design composed of one or more of one or more letters, typically letters, typically the initials of a the initials of a name, used as an name, used as an identifying mark.identifying mark.

Objectives:Objectives:Your Job:Your Job:

1. CAREFULLY draw a 1. CAREFULLY draw a “versal” (decorative “versal” (decorative initial) of your first initial) of your first initial for your book initial for your book cover. cover.

2. Decorate your letter.2. Decorate your letter.

3. Create mini cards to 3. Create mini cards to go in your pockets. go in your pockets. Fold front of pockets.Fold front of pockets.

Objectives:Objectives:You will…You will…

Identify characteristics of illumination.Identify characteristics of illumination.

Understand the history of calligraphic Understand the history of calligraphic illumination.illumination.

Illustrate a “Versal” for the cover of a Illustrate a “Versal” for the cover of a miniature “Book of Hours”. If time miniature “Book of Hours”. If time allows, illustrate mini cards to go into allows, illustrate mini cards to go into the mini book.the mini book.