Reflection+on+History+of+Graphic+Communication+in+Ancient+Manuscripts

Reflection - Graphic Communication in Ancient Manuscripts

My first impression is WOW! The pages of these books are very detailed and are loaded with C.R.A.P. The repetition, alignment and contrast are very obvious. Not only are the ancient works skillfully designed, but these ancient artists wrote the book on design principles.

An example of repetition is included in the Portrait of St. Mark plate where each of the four corners has the same shape, however, each shape is filled with a unique contrasting pattern.

Plate 1 has an interesting shape that includes repetition because the same pattern is used five times but it is filled with contrasting patterns and they are located in close proximity to each other while all five being aligned both vertically and horizontally.

The authors and artists used very intricate detail to convey a strong message that the manuscripts are valuable and valid while at the same time telling the story in pictures.

= Source: The Book of Kells; by Edward Sullivan; 1920. =

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