![]() Without alchemists, many of the brilliant hues we associate with illumination would be less radiant. Now through February 2017, the Getty's concurrent exhibitions examine the origins of alchemy-from Greco-Egyptian antiquity through its transformation into chemical study-as well as alchemist's integral role in medieval illumination and how these "ancestors of modern chemistry" endeavored to do more than just transmute lead into gold. Meanwhile, The Art of Alchemy explores the influence the practice had on artistic expression in sculpture, glassmaking, and manuscript illumination. Produced by corroding copper strips with vinegar, the mixture yielded a greenish-blue hue that varied depending on the initial chemical ratios. Verdigris, on the other hand, was infamous for its destructive, reactive properties. Gold, for example, was used for its incorruptibility-that is, it doesn't tarnish or oxidize with time-and was employed to convey great spiritual importance. The Alchemy of Color in Medieval Manuscripts explores the creation of various vivid pigments traditionally used in medieval manuscript painting. ![]() Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles is hosting two overlapping shows: one dedicated to medieval illumination, and a second focusing on the chemical legacy of alchemy. While the Boston area gears up for an ambitious, multi-venue examination of illuminated manuscripts and early printed books with the Beyond Words exhibition, the J.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |