Essay---Romanesque manuscripts

Essay---Compare and contrast the development of Romanesque manuscripts. How did regional styles affect this development? Use examples of regional architectural styles of church architecture.         pgs 340-347
         The scribes of Romanesque manuscripts were monks and nuns. During the 12th century it was common practice for them to sign their work. These scribes did not intend for the manuscripts to become fine art but to bring glory to God. The manuscripts were typically painted on vellum using tempera and ink but each region had its own unique style.
          The Codex Colbertinus, folio 10 recto of the abbey of Saint-Pierre, Moissac, France (C.E. 1100) was influenced by relief sculpture located on a pier in the cloister. The folio of Matthew and the relief of Abbot Durandus (C.E. 1100-1115) are generic images; not true portraits. Each holds an item with their left hand and issues a blessing with their right hand. Both are depicted as robed men in a rigid frontal view positioned between columns with dangling feet. The French monks also used enlarged letters to symbolize ideas: "L" for Liber (book) used in the folio of Matthew. The letter was stylized with imaginary creatures found throughout the cloisters of Saint-Pierre.
           The Rupertsberger Scivias by Hildegard of Bingen, from Trier or Bingen, Germany (C.E. 1150-1179) is a true portrait of this influential nun. It is a lost folio from the abbey of Saint Hildegard; recording her visions from God. Long tongues of fire symbolize these divine visions. The image of Hildegard as a scholar is an echo of the evangelist found in the Coronation Gospels and the Ebbo Gospels.
          The Bury Bible, Moses Expounding the Law, folio 94 recto, from Bury Saint Edmunds, England signed by Master Hugo in 1135 followed Hiberno-Saxon book production. The scenes derive from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. Hugo used rich, vibrant colors and slow, gentle movements to integrate figures within the symmetrical frame leaf motifs. He also paints Moses with horns which may have derived from Saints Jerome's literal translation of the Vulgate version of Exodus.