The History, Theory, and Practice of Illuminating: Condensed from 'The Art of Illuminating' by the same illustrator and authorWyatt, M. Digby (Matthew Digby), Sir
History
The History, Theory, and Practice of Illuminating: Condensed from 'The Art of Illuminating' by the same illustrator and author
Wyatt, M. Digby (Matthew Digby), Sir
Alphabet; Illumination of books and manuscripts; Initials
Mr. Ottley supposes that Giulio Clovio (born 1498, died 1578) worked
previous to his receipt of the instruction of Girolamo in a drier manner,
in which no evidence appears of that imitation of Michael Angelesque pose
in his figures, which in his subsequent production became so leading a
characteristic of his style. It is in his earlier manner that Giulio is
believed to have illuminated for Clement VII.[90] (1523-1534), while for
his successor, Paul III. (1534-1539), he worked abundantly, and gradually
acquired that which is best known as his later manner, in which he
continued to labour, according to Vasari, until 1578, at the great age of
eighty years. Mr. Ottley, however, recognizes his hand in MSS. which must
have been at least five years later--during the Pontificate of Gregory
XIII.[91]
It is obviously impossible, in such an essay as the present, to dwell in
detail upon the merits of so accomplished a master of his art. Fortunately
we possess in this metropolis two fine specimens of his skill, both
tolerably accessible--one in the Soane[92] and the other in the British
Museum.[93] A third, of great splendour, is in the possession of Mr.
Towneley, and a fourth, in the shape of an altar-card, attributed to him,
is to be found in the Kensington Museum; and several fragments, formerly in
Mr. Rogers's possession, have passed to Mr. Whitehead and to the British
Museum. All of these exhibit a refinement of execution, combined with a
brilliancy of colour and excellence of drawing, which has never been
surpassed by any illuminator. Vasari gives a complete list and description
of his principal works, and proves him to have been not less industrious
than able.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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