In this book Dr. Temple has catalogued all known Anglo-Saxon illuminated manuscripts from the reign of King Alfred until the Norman Conquest, including such famous books as the Benedictional of St. Ethelwold, the Caedmon Genesis and the Gospels of Judith of Flanders, as well as comparatively unknown manuscripts, in particular a hitherto obscure Anglo-Saxon Gospel Lectionary now in the National Library in Warsaw.
The early tenth century saw a revival in book production due to the efforts of King Alfred who himself translated important Latin texts and promoted scholarly activity. The initial movement was then intensified by influences from Europe which inspired and transformed English art. A new sophistication, visible in the delicate equipoise of form and content, emerged and was to elevate English artistic expression in the form of illuminated manuscripts to a dominant position in Europe.
In the Introduction Dr. Temple discusses the historical and cultural background to the artistic flowering, pointing out innovations in the field of decorative initials and the growth of the ‘Winchester’ and ‘Utrecht’ styles. Detailed information about each manuscript is found in the Catalogue. Each entry also discusses provenance and gives an exhaustive bibliography for the manuscript. In addition, every manuscript catalogued is illustrated with at least one and often several reproductions, mostly from new photographs. The richness and abundance of the visual material demonstrates the elegance of Anglo-Saxon art and substantiates the reasons for its reputation in Europe in the tenth and eleventh centuries. This volume confirms the assessment that “Anglo-Saxon illumination achieved a splendour and happy freedom entitling it to a place among the noblest manifestations of English art”.
370 illustrations, including 6 in colour.
In very good condition.
Автор: E. Temple
Издательство: Harvey Miller Publishers, London, 1976
ISBN: 0856020168
Состояние: хорошее
Язык: Английский
Кол-во страниц: 244
Кол-во иллюстраций: 370 (6 цветных)
Размер: 34 х 24 см