The Colors in Medieval Illuminations through the Magnificent Scriptorium of Alfonso X, the Learned
Author:
Vieira Márcia1ORCID, Melo Maria João12ORCID, Nabais Paula12, Lopes João A.3ORCID, Lopes Graça Videira2, Fernández Laura Fernández4
Affiliation:
1. LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Conservation and Restoration (DCR), NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal 2. Institute of Medieval Studies (IEM), NOVA University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1646-003 Lisboa, Portugal 3. Faculty of Pharmacy, iMed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal 4. Department of Art History, Facultad de Geografía e Historia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Profesor Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Abstract
This pioneering work studied the medieval color palette of four manuscripts produced in the scriptorium of Alfonso X, king of the Crown of Castile (r. 1252-84), including the Songs of Holy Mary (Cantigas de Santa Maria, in Rich Codex and Musicians’ Codex), Lapidary (Lapidario), and Book of Games (Libro de los juegos). Scientific analysis based on fiber-optics reflectance spectroscopy in the visible and Raman spectroscopy showed a color palette based on lapis lazuli, indigo, azurite, vermilion, red lead, orpiment, yellow ochre, two different greens (bottle green and vergaut), lead white, carbon-based black, and most importantly, brazilwood pinks, reds, and purples. So, it is now the first reported use of this lake pigment in European medieval manuscript illumination. The painting technique is also discussed. The diversity of colors and techniques, with the presence of lapis lazuli, brazilwood lake pigments, purple, and gold, demonstrates Alfonso X’s desire to produce sumptuous manuscripts.
Funder
Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Ministério da Educação e Ciência (FCT/MCTES)], through PhD grant awarded to Márcia Vieira CEEC junior contract awarded to Paula Nabais Project STEMMA Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry- LAQV ERDF under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement
Subject
Materials Science (miscellaneous),Archeology,Conservation
Reference82 articles.
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