Writing in gold: on the aesthetics and ideology of Carolingian chrysography
David Ganz
Writing in gold has almost completely escaped the attention of art historical manuscript studies. Whereas semantics and materiality used works goldsmithery as well illuminations panel paintings have been frequently discussed, fact that also applied to embellish texts, be they single initials titles or entire chapters volumes, drawn relatively sparse comment. This article is part a larger research project on Western chrysography. Its scope investigate specific reasons for use writing material Middle Ages. implies critical re-evaluation standard explanations phenomenon previous research. To approach issue, it fruitful look at manuscripts analyse their places ways application One case plays prominent role this paper Golden Psalter from St Gall: an illuminated was begun court Charles Bald later completed monastery Gall. In studying other examples, particular somehow contradictory colour light effects chrysography will emphasized. On one hand, script potential attract visual long range, especially under artificial illumination candlelight; and, other, pages with resist fast, transparent reading written notation. They draw reader’s forms arrangement letters, weave lines, oscillation between emphasis fade-out page, reflections dissociate graphemes carrier, provoking optical state suspense. short, constitutes model ‘Schriftbildlichkeit’ ‘Iconographia’, defying disappearance behind text which time considered most characteristic feature writing.
Word & Image