The Poor Man's Bible

Way back in the day,
like when AD became BC
and for many centuries afterward,
light, color and glass were used as a means to depict Biblical scenes for the illiterate masses. 

The Stained Glass Artist and The Apprentice

I have to wonder, now that we are literate,
how much do the masses actually read?
Has the screen taken the place of these stained glass beauties?
Pity. 

The Work of My Hands

And just like I shared about my love of Illuminated Manuscript, 

I adore the traditional rich and vibrant colors used in stained glass windows.

 

Glorious Glass


There is something about the work of traditional artisans
that fascinates me.
They create individual pieces of beauty.



The Test of Time 

Things that are worth standing the test of time.
Things that we should treasure throughout time.



Just like the architectural marvels that house such works,
we submit them to the wrecking ball in the name of progress.
Pity.

Maybe the masses should start reading again.

Glencairn Medieval Festival 
Huntingdon Valley, PA
February 3, 2013

Hello Monday

Peasant or Princess?

Every time I read something about life in medieval times,

I dread to think what my role would have been had I lived during that period.
(I just happened to finish reading about Catherine the Great)

An Original Illuminated Manuscript

Whether a peasant or a princess...

life was not a bowl of cherries.

While a peasant's life was difficult to say the least,

the life of a princess was to {hopefully} marry off for some gain for a kingdom somewhere...

and then spend the rest of your life trying not to lose your head for one reason or another. 

An Original Illuminated Manuscript

Perhaps the best place in society was a skilled merchant. 

But, in most cases, that would have required being a male. 

Modern Day Manuscript Illumination Artist

 I might have enjoyed the work of a Manuscript Illumination Artist.
I love the fine details and rich colors accented with gold or silver.
It is just so....me.
Sadly, a male monk is not so me.



Modern Day Manuscript Illumination Artist 


So let's just say,
that despite all of our modern day faults,
I am pretty thankful to live during our current times.
 However, I still had a pang of jealousy
watching this artist at her craft.
So gorgeous.

Glencairn Medieval Festival 
Huntingdon Valley, PA
February 3, 2013