Feb 13 History of GD response

During class today, we discussed the different illuminated manuscripts and their characteristics. One major one that we discussed was Celtic illuminated manuscripts. When creating a manuscript, there are many different roles that need to be fulfilled to get the job done. These rolls included the scrittori, copisti, illuminator, and the colophon. The original purpose of creating an illuminated manuscript was for religious purposes: attracting people to God. They would decorate these scriptures and to attract people to religion and to honor God. A few other things discussed in class were why printing was important and the effect it had on culture. Manuscripts were in high demand at the time. In order to fulfill the cultures needs, manuscripts needed to be printed faster and with less errors. Some of the effects that printing had on the culture include technological advances, increased education, and the average person became smarter due to more opportunities.

One thing that I find very interesting is the long process it took to create a manuscript. You need someone to get the paper or parchment, make it, design the lettering, and illustrate some of the lettering. This seemed like a very long process that took a lot of people to finish. I can see why these manuscripts were valuable and expensive.

One question that I pose has to do with the picture of the four horseman in the Spanish manuscript. After discussing it a little bit in class, I am very curious to see what the heart on one of the horseman mean as well as the little symbols that are scattered all over this manuscript.