The Use of Painted Initials by Greek and Latin Scriptoria in Carolingian Rome
John Osborne
The use of elaborate painted initials, a phenomenon that originated in western European manuscripts between the sixth and eighth centuries, is one number artistic ideas adopted Byzantium after final triumph orthodoxy over Iconoclasm 843. While precise mechanism this transmission from West to East impossible determine, case can be made Greek-language scriptoria Italy acted as intermediaries. An examination series Latin manuscripts, thought have been written Rome late or early ninth century, reveals an awakening interest developments initial design were taking place Hiberno-Saxon Merovingian north. Painted initials also appear Greek manuscript Dialogues Pope Gregory I (Vat. gr. 1666), similarly attributed precisely dated year 800. city thus emerges possible site for transfer idea culture, since it demonstrated not only city's experimenting with wide variety types, but concept had crossed linguistic divide, was being utilized by at least center book production some three-quarters century before appeared Constantinople.
Gesta