art of the illuminated letter

hat is an illuminated letter?

n illuminated letter is an

embellished letter

Page from The Book of Kells, circa 800 A.D.

The Book of Kells

The most ornate manuscript in existence: housed in Ireland

“Ireland's finest national treasure”

“The chief relic of the Western World”

Illuminated letter from The Book of Kells, circa 800 A.D..

History of the Book of Kells

• Created in 800 A.D.

• Stolen by Vikings

• Thrown into bog in a leather bag

• Largely intact because of preservatives found in bogs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tollund_Man

Diptych painting with scenes featuring Jesus and Mary, circa 1700

Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) bandolier bag circa 1900 (left) and beadwork detail

Examples of Norwegian tradition of rosemaling (rose painting),

applied to functional items such as baskets or chests.

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss, 1907-1908

Grading Criteria

• The letter contains at least 3-4 colors.

• The letter contains adequate detail, with little to no “white space”.

• The letter uses decorative ornamentation that incorporates elements of nature.

• The images in the letter help to illustrate the concept you are trying to communicate.

• The work is neat and carefully executed; a ruler is used to draw straight lines.