Ysabela's Trefoil Argent

July 25, 2011

Trefoil Argent for Baronessa Ysabela Celestina Manrique de Palma y Majora inspired by Dream of Nebuchadnezzr from St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel circa 950. Executed in Spain by the illuminator Maius.

Adelheid’s Laurel (details)

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Before text and arms were added. Details of gilding and paint.

Inspired by several leaves of the 15th century German manuscript Stefan Lochner Gebetbuch.

Illumination for Laurel scroll of Meisterin Adelheid Leinwater, 2011. 24k gold, watercolor gouache and a number of hand ground pigments with a gum Arabic binder.

A Spear for Caleb

Working with one other person on a project can be difficult enough but this particular piece proves that eight artists can combine their efforts to create a beautiful final product.
Creating a personalized award for someone with an early period persona can sometimes be a challenge. I have worked to create rune stones and decorative shields for other early personas. The additional challenge to this piece was that due to military service, the recipient had lived in five SCA Kingdoms. How do you represent all of that?
This spear was created as a knighting “scroll” for Caleb Hogg. The production of this piece included eight artisans from five SCA kingdoms. The pieces of the final product all met up for the first time at Gulf Wars, were assembled and presented to Caleb when he was knighted on the field.
First, the spear head was cast by Iarl Brian Mac Brand of Meridies and mailed to Trimaris. The text of the award was crafted by Mistress Gwenllyan verch Morgan of Trimaris and is based upon the prologue of Beowulf. Next I secured a six foot length of pine, marked out a careful spiral down the length and then used a burnt sienna paint to apply the runes to the haft. The original plan had been to wood burn the runes onto the haft the the wood burner was just not equal to the task.

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Weavers in five SCA Kingdoms each wove a campaign band that could be tied onto the spear. Each band was woven in a design chosen by the weaver and was crafted in the colors of the Kingdom which it was representing.

• From Caid, Mistress Aldgytha of Ashwood wove a blue and white band decorated with the crescents of Caid.
• From Meridies, Mistress Gabriella Francesca Quelja de Warre called Calleja
• wove a beautiful black and white band and decorated the loose ends with beads.
• From Gleann Abhann, Mistress Brigit Olesdottir of Gleann Abhann card wove a band in burgundy and black with rams heads and the text “Honor above all”.
• From Atlantia, Mistress Genevieve d'Aquitaine of Atlantia wove a zigzaging band of blue and white with a white seashell at the end.
• Lastly, from Trimaris, Queen Grainne ingen Aloin meic Cerbaill of Trimaris tablet wove a band of blue and white silk.

Pieces arrived from the various artisans and were delivered to me at Gulf Wars. All of these far flung artisans used their care and skill to create a truly unique final product. The spear was presented to Caleb at his knighting by King Lorcann and Queen Grainne of Trimaris.
The runes transliterate as follows:
"A wayfarer should not walk unarmed, But have his weapons to hand: He knows not when he may need a spear, Or what menace meet on the road." – Havamal
LO, praise of the prowess
Of mighty warriors, of spear-armed thanes,
in days long sped, we have heard,
and what honor the athelings won!
To Us a mighty hero was sent,
a son to this land, to favor the folk,
feeling the woe of his enemies.
So is named the Wielder of Wonder, with world's renown.
Famed was this Caleb Hogg and far flew the boast of him,
a son of Trimaris and many lands.
So becomes it to Us to quit him well by honor and gift,
by lauded deeds shall he have honor in every clan.
Then shall we bear him over the ocean's billow,
loving clansmen, as late he charged Us,
and therefore bind him in glory as naméd
To the rank of Knight in the Society for Creative Anachronism
For We Lorcann and Grainne
the Crown of these three-shored lands
Do set it forth in written word.
and have these runes cut in Anno Societas XLV
Upon the 19th day of March.

After the spear was presented, I spoke with Caleb and let him know just how many people had worked on this project and he was truly humbled by the great effort that had been put forth for his knighting.
My thanks for the artistry and professionalism exhibited by all of the artisans who helped to make this unique project come alive. Each of these fine people is excellent at their craft.

• Spear Head: Iarl Brian Mac Brand of Darkwood, KSCA, OL of Meridies
• Tablet woven band, Caid: Mistress Aldgytha of Ashwood of Caid
• Tablet woven band, Meridies: Mistress Gabriella Francesca Quelja de Warre (Calleja) of Meridies
• Tablet woven band, Trimaris: Queen Grainne ingen Aloin meic Cerbaill of Trimaris
• Tablet woven band, Gleann Abhann: Mistress Brigit Olesdottir of Gleann Abhann
• Tabby woven band, Atlantia: Mistress Genevieve d'Aquitaine of Atlantia
• Text based on Beowulf: Mistress Gwenllyan verch Morgan of Trimaris
• Spear haft, transliteration and rune cutting by Mistress Maol Mide ingen Medra OL, OP of Trimaris

It was reported to me that upon returning home for the war, Caleb walked around his home to very carefully choose a spot for the display of his spear. He selected a corner that contained another spear, flung that one aside and then placed his knighting spear in that prominent place. Nodding to himself, he just stood and stared.

From Ethiopia, with Love

Sometimes I get challenging requests and I have to use a lot of imagination to find an inspiration for an illuminated page. In 2009 I was asked to create an illuminated page for my friend Simon who was being elevated to the Order of the Pelican. Simon’s persona hails from Ethiopia.

I searched and came across some photos online that showed illuminated manuscripts being displayed by clerics at the Monastery of Na’akuto La’ab just outside Lalibela, Ethiopia. The church at Na’akuto La’ab is a brick building built entirely within a large natural cave. The clerics at this church will happily bring out manuscripts and display them for visitors. Lalibela and Na’akuto La’ab were founded in the 12th century and are among the holiest sites for Christians in Ethiopia.

Although I have done much research, I cannot find a date for the manuscript being displayed by the cleric from Na’akuto La’ab. The style of the manuscript in similar to the wall frescos inside the churches at Lalibela and Na’akuto La’ab so I utilized it as a model that is representative of the painting style done in that region.

The illuminated portrait on Simon’s Pelican scroll is taken from an image posted by a visitor to Lalibela. The portrait from Na’akuto La’ab depicts a man holding a key and walking stick or cane. This may symbolize St Peter who is often depicted holding a key or St Lazarus who is shown with a cane. The text page was inspired by another page from the same manuscript. The calligraphy was inspired by the Ge'ez script in the manuscript.

There is a photo album on Flickr that shows more detail from this manuscript on display at Na’akuto La’ab . The photos are really lovely and striking. I also found a travel journal that includes gorgeous photos of the area around Na’akuto La’ab, the church, and the church’s treasures which include the manuscript upon which this piece is based.

Artists:

• Drafting: HL Gwenhwfyr ber Cain
• Base Painting: HL Bryna of Kildare
• Details and finish illumination: Mistress Maol Mide ingen Medra
• Calligraphy: Mistress Maeva Eiriksdottir

Gaheris

Gaheris surprised me by requesting that I create his Knighting scroll. It turns out that quite some time ago I calligraphed and illuminated his Award of Arms and that he is still fond of that piece.

His requests were that the piece be simple in design and not overly large, possibly with a Roman flavor.

Recipient: Gaheris Vitruvius Gracchus

Award: Order of Chivalry

Size: 9x12

Materials: Ink on pergamenata

Hand: Rustic capitals

Source: Utrecht Psalter

Text by: Sir Severin

This 9th century Carolingian book of Psalms was executed in a style called Bistre or Bister. Bistre is a type of ink made by burning wood and then boiling the soot down to extract color. Color can range from grey to a brown with yellow tones.

The art on the pages of the Utrecht Psalter consists not of illumination, but rather of pen and ink plain bistre drawings that illustrate the psalms and canticles. The book contains 108 leaves and measures 13 x 10 inches in size.

The finished piece was put on display during Gaheris’ vigil, illuminated by candle light and then was presented to him the next day on the field at Gulf Wars after his Knighting ceremony.

Swamp Hibiscus

This past holiday season I wanted to give a few of the ladies from an 18th century reenactment group small handmade gifts. I  chose tiny paintings in tiny frames:

For the dynamic Miss Annie I chose a brilliant Scarlet Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) flower. This species was identified by botanist Thomas Walter (1740-1789).

3x3 inches on plate Bristol board. Watercolor gouache and ink. 2010

Small Shell Ginger

This past holiday season I wanted to give a few of the ladies from an 18th century reenactment group small handmade gifts. I  chose tiny paintings in tiny frames:

For the sweet Miss Gili I painted Small Shell Ginger (Alpinia mutica). This species was identified by in India by William Roxburgh in the 1780-1790’s. The model for this piece is a photograph taken by Gili of this lovely plant growing in her Grandmother’s garden. Although it isn’t a Florida plant, I was sure it would be enjoyed.

3x5 inches on plate Bristol board. Watercolor gouache and ink. 2010

Sunrise Tellin

One of my many hobbies is 18th century reenactment and I am fascinated by that period in botanical and naturalist exploration. This past holiday season I wanted to give a few of the ladies small handmade gifts. I chose tiny paintings in tiny frames and tried to stay with plants and animals that were already named and could be found in Florida.

For the delightful Miss Elizabeth I chose to paint Sunrise Tellin (Tellina radiata) Linnaeus, 1758 in honor of her love of beachcombing.

3x3 inches on plate Bristol board. Watercolor gouache and ink. 2010

Gwenllyan’s Laurel

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Although the words “Visconti Hours” often bring forth swirling images of hot pink hosts of angels and poison green architectural towers, there are many individual pages that are quite lovely and less… colorful than other parts of the text. When presented with the choice of insane color combinations or demure and pretty, Finneadan and I decided that we would both prefer something more mild. This is how we picked the page to use for Gwenllyan verch Morgan’s Laurel Scroll.

Mistress Finneadan sketched up the page and I painted, gilded and calligraphed. The text was written by Master Iefan. In this we were able to include both of Gwenllyan’s Laurels and also her former apprentice sister.

The devil was in the details and the tiny castles and buildings really took up the most time as far as the painting was concerned. We reduced the size of the initial so that we had a place for the text to be written. There are various symbols that have been tucked into the trees and foliage so that various other apprentice siblings could be included. A chrysalis and emerging butterfly signify Gwenllyan’s transformation and also serve as an inside reference to my household, Feileacan Ghairdin, Gaelic for ‘butterfly garden’.

Executed on pergamenata using watercolor gouache, ink and 24k gold leaf. Time breakdown: I think Finneadan spent about 3-4 hours in sketch. I put about an hour or two into gilding and about another 18-20 hours in painting.

Richard Clitherow’s Pelican

Award: Order of the Pelican

Recipient: Master Richard Clitherow of Marcaster

Kingdom: Trimaris

Inspiration Source: Tres Petites Heures d’Anne de Bretagne

Time: 40-ish hours

Text: Written by Master Octavio de Flores

Receive these words of Lorcan and Grainne, newly crowned King and Queen of Trimaris and Cry these tidings known throughout the land:

Upon Our celebration of the founding of the Kingdom of Trimaris twenty-five years ago, it gives us great pleasure to acknowledge a Gentleman of our Realm, Richard Clitherow.

He Stands with Humility, Leads with Service, Defies Tyranny with a Smile, and Challenges Complacency with Courage. His Worth is beyond measure and His Integrity is beyond Question.

And So it Our Right and Privilege to accept the many recommendations proffered, affirming the will of the people of Trimaris, and Grant him this day a Patent of Arms as a member of the Order of the Pelican. Witness Our hand and Seal on this 4th day of September, a.s. XLV

Lorcan, King

Grainne, Queen

About this piece: Richard is a wonderful gentleman and I very much agonized over something that would suit him just so. His colors are blue and gold so I  started by searching for something that heavily used those colors. I came across the Tres Petites Heures d’Anne de Bretagne which is a tiny volume of lovely and understated illumination that seemed just right for this project.

The miniatures were changed entirely and only the blue border with gold acanthus leaves and the gold boarder with architecture are derived from the original page. The major illumination of a bridge hung with pennants is taken from Master Richard’s favorite poem, The Bridge Builder. The bridge is hung with pennants that include the arms of Don Alain, Richard Clitherow and Mistress Columella. A Pelican in its piety has been included in the gold architectural border and several triskeles were incorporated into the design.

Special thanks to Mistress Finneadan who added some of her immense drawing skill to this task. What she does in moments can often take me several agonizing hours. Finneadan created the base drawing for the bridge miniature based on some designs I sketched on scrap paper.

About the Original: Anne of Brittany was Duchess of Brittany and was Queen to two successive French Kings, Charles VIII and Louis XII. Anne was one of the richest women in Europe and commissioned many fine manuscripts for herself and for her children.

• Les Grandes Heures d'Anne de Bretagne: Executed by Jean Bourdichon between 1503 and 1508.
• Petites heures d'Anne de Bretagne: Executed by Jean Poyer 
• Tres Petites Heures d’Anne de Bretagne: Executed by the Master of the Très Petites Heures d'Anne de Bretagne
• Prayer Book of Anne of Brittany: Executed by Jean Poyer  and commisssioned by Anne Of Brittany to teach her son Charles Orlando, Dauphin of France, his catechism. The child died of measles around the time the book was completed.
• The Prayer Book of Claude de France: Executed by Master of Claude de France.
• The Gradual of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany

Little violets

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Award: Golden Galleon

Recipient: Finnguala inghean Alister

Inspiration: Prayer Book of Michelino da Besozzo (Folio 6)

Finnguala is my apprentice and I learned that she is fond of violets which made choosing a subject for illumination quite easy. The Prayer Book of Michelino da Besozzo is a great source for simple yet elegant floral borders that are often complimented by nice clean lines of gilding. The calligraphy was executed by Queen Grainne of Trimaris but I have no photos of the page after completion.

Three Lilies

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Award: Augmentation of Arms
Recipient: Mistress Stephanie of Nethyrwode
Kingdom: Meridies
Source: Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta
Commissioned by: TRM Thomas and Elisanda
Time: 30-ish hours

Text: Behold this fair gentle who among all good nobles of Our Society has proven herself to be a paragon of those ideals we hold dear.  She is a beacon to those in need of inspiration and guidance and a pillar upon which Our beloved Kingdom depends.  Her service and dedication know no bounds; having enriched not only Our Kingdom, but our Society as a whole.  In Our eyes she stands  an ideal peer whose sacrifices do not go unnoticed, nor will we permit them to go  unrewarded.  So that all may know that we hold Stephanie of Nethyrwode in the highest esteem, We, Thomas and Elisenda, King and Queen of the Laurel Kingdom of Meridies  bestow upon you a token of Our respect and admiration.  From this day henceforth, we charge you to augment your personal arms with the Meridian Augmentation of three mullets in chevron argent.   Thus is confirmed your sole right and privilege to bear the arms describe by this heraldic blazon: Sable, a dragon's head erased, on a chief engrailed erminois three lilies azure, for augmentation on a canton sable three mullets one and two argent.  Proclaimed with Our voice and done by our hand and seal this 11th day of September, Anno Societatis XLV, being 2010 by the Common Reckoning. (Written by Thomas and Elisenda)

Mistress Stephanie’s arms included three lilies, so I included three from the Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta: Lily of the valley (top), Orange lily (bottom left) and a Madonna lily (bottom right). The text is fairly long but I still had to add some text at the end to complete the knot work design.

How to Write in Knots

Step one: Draw the interlace and flora: Although the text looks like it would make you crazy, it is actually easier than one  would think. First I lay out the knot work and produce a top and bottom line in pencil to use as guides for the calligraphy. In that design I verify all of the knot work over and under passes.

Step two: Text layout: Later I pencil in all of the text to make sure I have enough or not too much space. This also keeps misspellings to a minimum. and

Step three: Get the ink and the whiskey: I did the calligraphy this piece in one sitting, stopping to do a shot of whiskey when I hit the very tight knots at the N, E, S, and W compass points of the interlacing.

Step four: Get sober and then paint: After completing the calligraphy I came back through an painted the lilies. I finished the gilding last on this piece because I knew it would take the least time. Also, after everything the gilding actually seemed nice and easy.

Step five: Walk away: Slap that page in a frame and walk the hell away before your make yourself crazy with what you could have done better.