Parts Level:  Figurative Decoration

Definition:  Painting or drawing in a manuscript that represents humans or animals, usually in miniatures (of any size or shape), historiated initials, or marginal scenes.

Comment:  Give the number (when feasible), size/shape, and technique if any other than standard tempera; include notice of major decoration now missing; mention such decoration even if added to the manuscript at considerably later dates. Remember that, contrary to usual practice in describing figurative or representational decoration in a printed catalogue, the user will have a number of images upon which to base his own further interpretations.

Example:

• 5 full-page miniatures on inserted leaves, blank on the recto, with evidence of 3 others, now cut away; 9 5-line historiated initials
• 1 4-compartment miniature
• 3 miniatures painted across the width of 2 columns of text
• 12 monthly occupations and zodiac signs in roundels
• Numerous pen and ink drawings, many incomplete
• Extensive bas-de-page scenes
• Some 200 color wash illustrations
• 8 4- to 7-line historiated initials

Properties:  Data type: Memo (changed 2009-05-04 for vers. 9.0.2; previously: Data type: text. Field size: 255 characters).

Required?:  No.