“It may seem surprising, but the gilded parts are done just after the drawing. Next is the preliminary drawing, and then the gilding, a step that requires great attention to detail. The first stage of the work is the “ ruling” or layout- setting down the lines that will guide the letters’ writing. Naude works on special papers that mimic parchment and real parchment-lamb or kidskin that takes weeks to prepare. Therefore they must also carry out the calligraphy and gilding themselves before finally getting to the painting, the heart of their profession. Today, however, he explains, manuscript illuminators no longer work in a “workshop” or together with other artisans. The greatest miniature painters of the late Middle Ages in France, Jean Fouquet and Jean Bourdichon, were first and foremost painters, as was their Italian contemporary, Fra Angelico“. These masters only take part in the decoration of the book. Small paintings in shimmering colors dot the walls-many of which were recently shown in the 2019 exhibition “Illuminations: Painting Infinity in Miniature” at the Institution Sainte Marie Anthony, near Paris.Īn excellent teacher as well, Naude first explains that the art of manuscript illumination traditionally brought together several different trades: “…until the 18th century, masters of illumination worked with calligraphers and scribes who transcribed the text, and with gilders who added gold details to the manuscripts. A few days later, we find him in the cozy atmosphere of his Parisian apartment. The Committee members rave over the exquisitely painted motifs and calligraphy. Four-hundred hours to create three illuminated backdrops that will adorn mother-of-pearl altar canons from Bethlehem.

It’s the September 2020 meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Terra Sancta Museum, and Olivier Naude, who was invited to participate in a working session, carefully reveals the delicate sheets he has produced for the Museum. “What you see before you represent more than 400 hours of work” he humbly lets slip.

Famous medieval illuminated manuscripts