Art Funded by you

Illuminated caligraphic book

Esther Inglis, 1607

The daughter of a French Huguenot émigré, the famous calligrapher Esther Inglis lived in Edinburgh from her early years. This manuscript exhibits all the finest characteristics of her work. There are exquisite and characteristic examples of her page layouts, with botanical illuminations surmounting calligraphic texts. The variety of hands present throughout makes the volume an important example of the artist's practice of including specimens of many styles: some texts are wonderful examples of her extraordinary virtuosity in handling mirror writing on the minutest scale. Upon the title page, birds and butterflies mingle with the botanical elements of the design, in which thistles are included as befits a commission for a Scottish nobleman. The binding (perhaps the product of her own hand) is original, and is a fine example of its period.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Illuminated caligraphic book, 1607

Date supported

2000

Medium and material

Ink, colour & gold on paper

Dimensions

10 x 14 cm

Grant

6000

Total cost

12000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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