Inspiration Libro d’Ore del Cardinale Carafa (Book of hours of Cardinal Carafa) C 1470 Italian
Materials: Dyed vellum, Period pigments, gum arabic on Parchment. Shell silver and gold
Focus being:
1) Work within Period structure and layout
2) practice technique for dying vellum
3) Calligraphy – focus on cleanliness of lines and letters in keeping with style
4) Mimic exemplar elements and period-appropriate italian shading techniques
Commission open for any style, leaving opportunity to execute Carafa again. Given “red sword” theme, ‘red vellum’ seem appropriate.
As award is for tournament, no long text needed, meaning keeping to single page works well. Positioned both Rapier and broadsword along edges, with rapier in prima position as winner was successful by primarily winning on rapier field. Other elements along edges used, taken from various Carafa images. Intentional use of skulls humourous add from Patron. Practice made with working on floral and gem / bead components in 1-3 mm size. Practice with shading on very small pieces.
Issue noted very wet pigments allowed cochneal dye bleeding. This allowed for creative use of shading by intentional use of bleed with layering of dryer pigments. Although, necessary research needed for fixative for other projects. Period natural pigments with gum arabic binder. Please use enclosed protective gloves to handle – toxic pigments used (lead, copper and mercury).
Calligraphy following simple style of Carafa. Trimmed quill quite fine and use same shell gold as that used for border. Technique matching current practice sequence of dip- stroke- wipe- breathe – dip -stroke – wipe – breathe. Usually only 1/2 letter done per dip. Sequencing set up zen focus on practice. Flow smooth and calm. Four scrap pieces used before final, though more may have been useful. Challenge to have enough scrap material for practice that imitates correctly final piece.
Text is:
By his skill and persistence
Salvadore de La Torres
Has achieved the recognition
As overall winner of the
Most points earned in the
The Red Sword Tournament
Held during the Reign of
Andreas and Kallista
Sovereigns of Aethelmearc.
Nikolai's Artwork 