Adoration de Dieu. Les quatre Etres. Les quatre Sages. Jean. L'Ange. Apoc. XIX 

This painted page, *Adoration de Dieu*, was made by the artist Facundus around 1086, likely in Spain, using tempera on parchment. Here, the artist's choice of parchment is especially important. Animal skin provides a smooth, absorbent surface that invites the crisp lines and vibrant colors we see here. The tempera paint, made from pigment bound with egg yolk, creates a matte finish, allowing the intricate details to stand out. Consider the labour invested in preparing the parchment, mixing the pigments, and painstakingly applying each brushstroke. It’s easy to think of medieval illuminated manuscripts as simply a precursor to printed books. Yet, the time-intensive work, with the use of precious materials like gold leaf, also positioned these objects as statements of wealth and power. This work stands as a testament to the skilled labour of medieval artisans, and a potent reminder of the close relationship between materials, making, and meaning.