Research Guides: History of Text Technologies: Ink, Pigments, and Gold

Manuscripts on Dyed Parchment

The Golden Gospels of Henry VIII, Gospel Book, in Latin. Trier, ca. 980. Gold ink on parchment dyed with a plant-based purple pigment. Morgan Library and Museum.

Virtual Exhibit for the Black Book of Hours. Silver and gold ink on vellum that is stained or painted black.Morgan Library and Museum.

The Alchemy of Color and Chemical Change in Medieval Manuscripts

Pens, Paint-making, and Illumination

Examples from the Collection of FSU Special Collections & Archives

[Book of hours : use of Rome]
Call Number: Vault ; ND3363 .H37

Publication Date: 1526

This book is a good example of illumination, as it contains several hand-colored and illuminated illustrations. Its pages display decorative motifs in addition to full page illustrations.

Digital Copy of the Book of Hours in FSU's digital collection

Leaf from a Book of Hours
Call Number: Vault ; BX2080 .A2 1465

Publication Date: 1465

This leaf is an example of a manuscript page on parchment. This page is from a book of hours, and it contains illuminated decoration.
Magnificat
Call Number: Vault ; BX2045.M3 A2 1400z

Publication Date: ca.1400-99

This is a vellum leaf from a French prayer book. It is written in Church Latin. The Gothic letters are largely in black, but each sentence starting with a larger color-painted letter. The page contains colored vegetal motifs with gold-leaf ornamentation.

External Sources for Ink, Pigments, and Gold

The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting by Daniel V. Thompson, B. Berenson (Forward by)
Call Number: General Collection ; ND1500 .T5 1956

ISBN: 0486203271

Publication Date: 1956-06-01

A volume giving an overview of the techniques of paints, binders, metals, and surface preparation. It is based on manuscripts and scientific investigation.