ELABORATION AND USES OF BLUE INK EMPLOYED IN MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPTS: STUDY OF HISTORICAL SOURCES

Abstract

This study shows the description of the general procedure for blue ink’s elaboration during the Middle Ages, as well as the different modalities and colour schemes used in the illuminated manuscripts production. In order to takcle this question, some of the main artistic treaties of this age are analysed such as Mappae Clavicula (9th century), De Diversis Artribus treaty of Teófilo (12th century), De coloribus diversis modis tractatur edition of Merrifield (14th century) and Libro del arte of Cennino Cennini (15th century). Nevertheless, some basic notions about the medieval writing are added.