From the author - -
Introduction
The Medieval period or Middle Ages is, very loosely, the centuries
between 1000 and 1500AD. This is rather a long timespan to cover
in a small book, and it could have been extended fourfold to
accommodate just a fraction of the potential design material. I hope,
however, that the following pages will provide a source of enjoyment
for those wishing to bring a sense of the Medieval to their own work.
About the designs
One of the main reasons for the wealth of wonderful visual treasure
during this time was the fact that most people were illiterate.
'Pictures are the books or the unlettered ', a saying attributed to
St. Gregory the Great, was used to justify the dominance of the
visual arts in religious life. The Church was responsible, both directly
and indirectly, for the production of many paintings, frescoes,
tapestries, embroideries, manuscript paintings, wood and stone
carvings and sculptures. Artistic expression was enriched by the
expanding European trade routes. Raw materials and artefacts - silk,
ivory, precious metalwork, textiles and ceramics - added to the
splendid accumulation of art works.
Among secular Medieval works of art was the Bayeaux Tapestry
which depicted the Battle of Hastings. This masterful work contains
pre-Heraldic design and symbolic flower and animal representations.
Heraldry, the recording of genealogies and blazoning of coats of arms,
is also a rich source of design.With the development of armour it
became necessary to display some form of identification on shields,
helmets and standards. This became accepted practice during the
crusades of the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries when a knight would
wear the badge or symbol of the lord he was serving..
And finally
This book provides material from many inspiring aspects of Medieval
design. You can simply copy the patterns, adapt the images to suit
your requirements, or use them as inspiration for your own designs.
Soft cover, 32 pages.
Price: $18.95 ($17.23)
