MetaFilter posts tagged with illuminated and manuscripts

The Prague Bible

thomas j wise — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:21:17 -0800

The Prague Bible (1489) is a splendid three-volume MS of the Tanakh, once in the possession of Enlightenment luminary Moses Mendelssohn. There are several other beautiful examples of medieval and early modern Hebrew MSS online, including the Illuminated Hebrew Manuscripts collection (New York Public Library), the Illuminated Haggadah Exhibit (Klau University), selections from Moses Maimonides' Moreh Nevukim (Leiden University), and the Prato Haggadah (Jewish Theological Seminary). See also the introduction to the Hebraic Collections at the Library of Congress.

Gloria in electronica

1f2frfbf — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:54:28 -0800

The University of South Carolina recently completed an ambitious survey of all medieval texts in the state for an exhibit at the university library. All the works were scanned and archived electronically. However, not only can you view the texts online, you can hear the university's chorus sing (MP3) the musical manuscripts. Highlights include such content as Astronomical tables from 15th century Italy and commentaries on Aristotle, and such eye candy as miniature illuminations, and gilded grand illuminations. Nota bene: the java based browser seems to be flaky with some browsers.

persian painting

dhruva — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 17:41:39 -0800

Masterpieces of Persian Painting "The atrocity of raging wars, the fainting of Leili (the beloved) and Majnoun (the lover) and the Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) ascension to the celestial sphere while floating in light—all reflect the reality and image of the pure heart of the artists who viewed the world, its Creator and creatures with love." [via]

Illuminated Manuscripts

thomas j wise — Wed, 30 Apr 2003 17:53:52 -0800

Illuminated manuscripts are truly a joy to behold. And there are a remarkable number of them available on the web for your viewing pleasure. The most famous illuminated MS is the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. For galleries with multiple images, try the resources at DScriptorium, Web Gallery of Art, and the Leaves of Gold exhibition. Elyse Boucher's page is a work-in-progress detailing the history and methods of illuminating books, with both images and secondary sources; see also Sue Wood's Art and Books page.