Initials V and D c. 12th century

This illuminated manuscript page was made anonymously with ink and tempera on parchment, likely centuries ago. Look closely, and you can see the labor invested in every square inch. From preparing the animal skin to mixing the pigments from minerals, plants, or insects, each step demanded skill and patience. The intertwined forms of the initials "V" and "D" aren't just decorative; they're a testament to the integration of text and image. The use of precious pigments like lapis lazuli for the blues would have signified status. This wasn’t just writing; it was crafting a sacred object. Think about the specialized knowledge required, passed down through generations of monastic workshops or guilds. These practices, rooted in tradition, elevate the humblest materials into objects of devotion, blurring the lines between craft and art. By examining its materials and manufacture, we gain insight into the intellectual and spiritual values of the time.