MEDIEVAL FRENCH MINIATURES

Perhaps no other country in Western Europe excelled in the art of miniature as did France during the medieval period. Within the form of illuminated manuscripts and, later, engraved book illustrations a synthesis containing two potent forces merged, resulting in a unique and complex art. Embodying the meticulous and decorative vision of Byzantine art and the classical perspective of Rome and Greece, French miniature achieved a dazzling attractiveness, at the same time that it conveyed profound religious and human experience. Of the one hundred and eighty four illustrations in this text ninety four are reproduced superbly in color. An index and bibliography supplement the detailed and revealing text by the Curator of Manuscripts at the Bibliotheque Nationale. Highly recommended as a gift and as an integral part of any comprehensive art library. Students of printing techniques will find the many examples of manuscript particularly helpful.