Illuminated Manuscripts of Medieval Spain

Mentré, Mireille. Illuminated Manuscripts of Medieval Spain. Thames and Hudson, 1997. 

This book is a richly illustrated exploration of the artistic and cultural significance of illuminated manuscripts produced in Spain during the Middle Ages. The book covers a wide range of manuscript types, from religious texts such as Bibles and psalters to historical and literary works, each intricately adorned with vibrant images, borders, and lettering. Mentré's research offers readers insight into the workshops, techniques, and materials used by medieval Spanish illuminators, as well as the regional influences, including those from the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish communities, that shaped the unique aesthetic of these manuscripts.

This work highlights not only the beauty of the manuscripts but also their cultural and historical context. The illuminated manuscripts of Spain reflect a blending of artistic traditions that emerged from the interactions between the various religious and ethnic groups of the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. By focusing on key works from the 9th to the 15th centuries, Mentré examines the development of manuscript illumination techniques and their evolution in response to the changing political and cultural landscape of Spain.

It is essential for art historians, medievalists, and anyone with a passion for the visual arts of the Middle Ages. Through detailed images and scholarly commentary, Mentré brings these masterpieces to life, showcasing the skill and creativity of medieval artisans while also providing an in-depth look at the cultural exchanges that defined medieval Spain.

Large hardback book in red cloth with gilt. Comes in dust jacket, in very good condition. Includes 252 illustrations, 146 in color. The book itself is fine, with no marks or highlighting. It is roughly 9½"wide x 12"tall x 1¼"thick. ISBN 9780500017326.

Asking $50.