![]() ![]() These works of art survived the centuries more than paintings from the time did, and so they provide scholars with knowledge of art trends.Īccording to Fine Books & Collections magazine, illuminated manuscripts are among the splendors of Western civilization: “The volumes are embellished with illustrations called miniatures, deriving from two Latin words: miniãre, to color with red lead, and miniare, to illuminate. Through the Middle Ages, books of calligraphy, primarily religious, became increasingly gilded with bright colors and gold leaf, indicative of the divine. By about the 10th century, it had a famous scriptorium in which books from other nations were translated and copied in Latin. Benedict of Nursia established a monastery in Monte Cassino, Italy, about 529. John’s are Benedictines, who have a long history with education and copying manuscripts. Episcopal, Protestant and Jewish advisers were consulted.Ĭalligrapher Jackson did not put the first words down on paper until 2000. It was decided to use the New Revised Standard Version translation, which is accepted by most Christian churches around the globe, Ternes says. John’s brainstormed and discussed images for the new Bible while its layout was made by computer (so scribes knew in advance the first and last words of each page). ![]() ![]() Roman Catholic monks, nuns and scholars at St. Money was raised from donors, and the commission began in 1998. John’s about the idea to create the first illuminated, handmade Bible in some 500 years. He is a scribe to Queen Elizabeth II and the House of Lords, creating official state documents. John’s Bible was the brainchild of a Welsh calligrapher, Donald Jackson, who had copied manuscripts since he was a boy. He reinforces his main message about the Bible: “It is communal, meant to be used and shared.” HISTORIC PREDECESSORS Gloves are forbidden because wearers are more likely to bend pages trying to get a grip on the paper, he says. Surprising many, Ternes told guests they could turn the pages as long as their hands were washed. On a page depicting Christ’s genealogy, the form of a menorah is used, with names in both English and Hebrew (the Egyptian Hagar is also written in Arabic, invoking all three Abrahamic religions). For a Nativity scene, the shepherds are women and girls, which was “probably the case at the time of Christ,” accompanying information says. In this image, they appear African, with a coral-type snake in vivid attendance. And not just Scripture, but popular culture, as the director points out in connection to stories of creation and Adam and Eve.Īdam and Eve for the 21st century don’t look anything like the blue-eyed blondes in Minnesota, Ternes says, getting a laugh. Ternes, here last week to introduce the Bible, spoke to archdiocesan staff at the Cardinal Rigali Center who eagerly took in the exquisite artwork and discussed images that evoked Scripture. In July, the Bible volume (Gospels & Acts) moves to the Cathedral Basilica, which will also sell more affordable books, cards and other mementos. For instance, in May it will be at Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. The price of the reproduction is better known: about $150,000.Īt least one hand-bound volume (not the whole Bible) will make its way around the city during the year. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.Ī fine art copy has come to St. But all involved are proud of the Bible, which is more than 1,100 pages and kept in a climate-controlled space at Hill Museum & Manuscript Library at St. ![]() “We’d never do it again,” says Tim Ternes, who has the unique job of director of the Bible project. John’s Bible, a 15-year project that involved 23 artists and an undisclosed amount of money. (What self-respecting artist doesn’t use spit occasionally?)Ĭlassic materials combine with modern imagery in the St. John’s Bible, completed in 2011, a modern artist understands that his fingers and even spit have left a scientific mark. Hundreds of years ago, those scribes knew nothing of genetic codes. Medieval illuminated manuscripts absorbed DNA from the anonymous monks and others who made them. Although created with swan quills, vellum and soot ink, it also uses images of DNA, soundwaves and at least one photo taken by satellite. Using techniques hundreds of years old, a handmade Bible brings an ancient artistic tradition into the 21st century. Up close, its gold embellishment is meant to awe, and reflect, an onlooker. ![]()
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