Drawings.

A GOSPEL FROM CANTERBURY, 1000 AD,
OF ST. MATTHEW. The Pierpont Morgan Library.
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An exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
of medieval drawings, "Pen and Parchment:
Drawings in the Middle Ages",
is surprising in its diversity,
attention to line, and perspective.

The vitality and spontaneity, and of

course spirituality, are to be seen in

this presentation, from 9th Century

monasteries to the 14th Century

French Court. The realism of line,

the color and gold leaf were

mastered by skilled artists and

draftsmen, talented precursors

to the Renaissance.

Drawing of th Evangelist John, from the
Corbie Gospels. Ink rendering of a facade of Strasbourg Cathedral.
About 1260.

Eleventh Century French codex, the Maccabees

pursue their enemies. Leiden University library

Drawing by Opicinus de Canistris, 1296-1354.

Cleric trained in the art of illumination and

cartography. Vatican City.

Thirteenth Century English artist, Matthew Paris,
portraits of the Madonna and Child and two images
of Jesus. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

Illustrated copy of the plays of the Roman, Terence,
St Albans, England. Bodleian Library, Oxford.

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Click on photos to enlarge.