Having been given at court, most recent scribal request detailed here below. County elevation for Oliver Sutton, SCA Aethelmearc. In preparation, communication with Recipient where he made 2 statements; affinity for scroll done for shayka jan al tha’lab and affinity for portraiture. These requests set primary goals; being utilization of portraits in black hours style. Chose Maria Sforza hours as inspiration to expand use of symbology and portrait styles.
Goals set for this assignment:
Fully period execution
Dyed vellum – iron gall ink
Portraiture
Balance of color and design for period aesthetic
Inspiration; Black Hours of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, c 1490.
Began with dying calf vellum with IronGall ink. Soaked first in mordant for 24 hours then two coats Iron Gall to smooth out depth of dye and look. Resultant page somewhat larger than period exemplar, choosing to keep such as modern aesthetic rather likes “big.” Result of process very satisfactory, and use of mordant locks in dye on vellum. Dye does not reconstitute when made wet, making for better painting results. One small challenge, vellum also resists small amounts water, so period pigments require more patience than otherwise. Net win, as re-activated black ink creates less pleasant effects.
For portraits, chose 3 facial looks: 1 direct-on, one 3/4 turn and one side-view chosen for primary styles to attempt. Direct-on always most difficult given very subtle shadowing and shading. Pigments continue to re-activate upon layering. While black was not, still challenges doing portraiting. Watercolor blending causes challenges with keeping smooth transitions. Result adequate. More practice needed, of course. But best as possible result achieved.
Remaining illumination completed with period pigments as well with shell gold and silver. One small use of gold leaf as was convenient to practice. Finally, calligraphy with gold and silver inks, with quill application.
Very fun challenge on this request, portraits providing great opportunity for learning.
Text Reads:
Be known our will, Done this day at Our Coronation, 19 September, AS LXI, We, Gareth and Juliana, Sovereigns recognize Oliver Sutton, for dutifully having borne the Crown of Æthelmearc with honor and wisdom, as he now lays aside the burden of Kingship. A King of War, a Champion of the Arts, and a noble man of the People, his example shall live forever in stories for all the Realm. For his faithful service upon the Sylvan Throne, where his stewardship and guidance brought prosperity and joy throughout all the land, We set our hand to this document naming him Count of Aethelmearc, Royal Peer of the Society that his place among those most honored Sovereigns of Æthelmearc shall endure forevermore.
