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

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