Double Frontispiece for the Kolliat c. 16th century

This Double Frontispiece for the Kolliat was made anonymously, using ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. The vivid blues and shimmering gold weren’t merely decorative choices, but the results of time-honored, labor-intensive processes. The lapis lazuli for the blue, for example, would have been painstakingly mined and ground. And the gold, carefully applied, would have required great skill to achieve its radiant effect. The delicate calligraphy too represents an intense period of training. The use of such precious materials and the immense skill involved, elevated the book beyond mere utility, transforming it into a display of wealth, power, and connoisseurship. So, as you admire this artwork, consider the deep investment of time, skill, and precious materials that went into its creation. This piece challenges our distinction between art and craft, and gives us insight into the cultural values of its time.