The Beauty of Ancient Manuscripts

Investigating ancient manuscripts allows the viewer to become familiar with graphic media and techniques that have been used historically.

In viewing this lovely work by Elizabeth Blackwell, I was immediately struck with how lovely the cuts and engravings are.  In working with actual organisms, Mrs. Blackwell had to ensure accuracy in her drawings.  Also due to the fact that these organisms would be used medicinally, she had to make sure that they were perfect so that there was no chance of confusion with other flora.

In each plate that Mrs. Blackwell created, she uses the four design principles.  Each page is set up the same way which displays both repetition and alignment.  The font used is the same on each page allowing the reader to immediately locate what is needed on the page of text. The images themselves have a high and pleasing degree of contrast.  The paintings use color that allows the details to be viewed easily.  White backgrounds with strong black lines give detail to the figures that will allow the plants to be easily identified in nature.  Mrs. Blackwell also uses proximity on the page.  Medicinal instructions are grouped together as are uses and measurements.  

With such attention to detail it is clear that there is importance in the book that was created.  The details regarding each specimen including flower and seed drawings helps to emphasize that this is not just a pretty, picture book.  Additionally, each page has descriptions for use; were this work that was intended for framing, it would not have included each of the details, but rather would have focused on the beauty of the blooms.

There are many lovely books that can be reviewed on the British Library's website at

http://www.bl.uk using a tool called "Turning the Pages."