Illuminated Page c. 1500

This illuminated page, attributed to Pigouchet, was likely created in France in the late 15th century. Its materials—vellum, ink, and pigments—speak to a time when book production was a laborious, skilled craft. The page features text meticulously hand-lettered in Latin, adorned with intricate borders. Note the dense patterns of foliage, figures, and scenes of battle, all brought to life with a fine woodcut. Each line, each curve, is a testament to the engraver's skill and patience. The vibrant colors, especially the red and blue accents, weren't just chosen for aesthetic appeal. They had symbolic meaning, adding layers of interpretation for the reader. The use of vellum itself, made from animal skin, implies a significant investment of resources and labor. Considering the context in which this page was made, we can appreciate it not only as a work of art but also as a product of complex social and economic forces, reflecting the cultural values of the late medieval period.