Completed SCA scroll for Rioghnach ny Rise, recognition as Countess and Order of the Rose.
Style is combined technique – Base inspiration from Gospels of Henry the Lion, c 1173 with portrait work being done in later period more realistic-style. Directive for request was recipient is “12th Century with fondness for portrait work.” Given that, choice made for primary portraitures being realistic style – using images of Recipent, Champion, Heirs, Herald and Reign Seneschal.
Inspiration being folio 171b – coronation by Christ of Henry the Lion and Matilde of England. Primary image of Christ at top replaced by Recipient in more modern portrait technique. Similarly, choice of Coronation scene – replacing 12th C style by realistic-image style of Royals, Heirs and important subjects. Remaining Portraits remaining in 12th C style, and central design to focus on symbology of Rose and County Coronet. Attached to this post being images used as inspiration and guides for design and portrait choices.
Base sheet being sheep parchment, very lovely working with, minimal issues of accepting gesso and paint. Much gold leaf used. More learning with Gesso and layers, struggles happening but finding solutions with more practicing.
Calligraphy choice intentional different than Exemplar except for lettering done over gold leaf. Choice being for size and space use, allowing for enough words to express language.
Lessions learning: Sheep parchment dream to use, taking paint and ink very well. Gesso needing practice. Discovering extra layers making large difference. Big question being choice of styles: Mixing 12th C and later portrait style may not being best in retrospect. Granted, totally chosen due to attempt to make recipient happy, will be seeing when presented. (reported being success) Future learnings, Likely later period for portrait choosing. Also, more practicing needed for later period portrait technique. 12th C much closer to desired effect.
Verbage – limited by space:
Bjarki, King by Arms of Sovereign Aethelmearc, and our dear Queen Gabrielle, light and inspiration, make known to all our declaration herein,
Rioghnach ny Rise,
a Rose by another name, has served Aethelmearc with selfless kindness as Our Noble Queen, inspiring joy filled celebration and affectionate wishes through her populace. Upon this Day as she passes the Realm to Us, Their Heirs, We do recognize the commitment and love she has poured into Our beloved Aethelmearc, and confirm her status as a Countess. Further We witness her inclusion into the Order of the Rose. By Our will declared, and by her gift of self, so done, on Sept 21, AS LIX, at our Coronation.
Nikolai's Artwork 