medieval and renaissance interiors

Medieval
& Renaissance
Interiors
in Illuminated Manuscripts

EVA OLEDZKA

Contents

First published in 2016 by Page 1 see [84] Page 6 see [43] I V

The British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB
Text copyright © Eva Oledzka 2016
Illustrations copyright © The British Library Board and
other named copyright-holders 2016
ISBN 978 0 7123 4973 4
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this publication is available
from the British Library
Designed by Briony Hartley, Goldust Design
Printed in Hong Kong by Great Wall Printing Co.
A brass candleholder on a Gothic The translator Simon de Hesdin
table. The table is covered with a at work. This study is bare and Introduction 6 Essential Comforts, Material
tablecloth and stands next to a looks rather uncomfortable but
buffet. The vista indicates that this is nevertheless charming. It is Possessions and Their
room is likely to be in a castle. The furnished with a lectern and a long
Distribution in Domestic Space 78
walls are faced in stone or painted in bench running along the walls.
imitation, and the floor is paved with The window is partially glazed, II
stone slabs. with multi-coloured glass in its 1. Heating and Kitchens 80
Miniatures attributed to the Master of the upper part. A wooden lattice in the The Context of Domestic 2. Lighting 96
Chronique scandaleuse, Pierre Sala, Petit lower section provides privacy. The
Livre d’Amour, France, Paris and S. E. (Lyon), shutters consist of several parts,
Architecture and Interiors 10 3. Hygiene 102
first quarter of the 16th century; British which can be opened or closed
Library, Stowe MS 955, fol. 8
independently. The cupboards are 1. Representations of Domestic Interiors in Art 11 4. Beds and Bedrooms 105
quite interesting: two are in the wall
Page 2 see [70]
niches and have doors decorated 2. Painters and Manuscript Illuminators as 5. Chests, Cupboards and Shelves 116
Calendar page for February. Feasting
and dancing in a hall. The opulent
with Flemish linenfold panelling. Interior Decorators 24 6. Benches, Chairs and Stools 122
Another cupboard, or a simple open
fireplace dominates the interior.
shelving unit, is fixed to the wall. The 3. Architectural Elements in Illuminations 26 7. Tables 126
Simon Bening and workshop, Book of
undecorated plastered walls seem
Hours (Golf Book), Bruges, probably early
to be scratched and neglected. The 4. Domestic Exteriors and Interiors in Town
1540s; British Library, Add. MS 24098,
fol. 19 v inscription reads ‘Je suis bien/Toudis
and Country 28
Joieulx/1479’. VI
Master of the White Inscriptions, Valerius
Maximus, Facta et dicta memorabilia Display of Wealth, Ideas
(translated by Simon de Hesdin and
Nicholas de Gonesse), Bruges, 1479; British III and Values through
Library, Royal MS 18 E III, fol. 24
Providing a Safe Haven 36 Domestic Objects 132

1. Doors and Stairs 37 1. Fine Dining, Luxury Display or Symbol 133

2. Windows 42 2. Studies or ‘Treasuries’ 145

IV Further Reading 154

Within the Four Walls 52 Acknowledgements 156
Index 157
1. Floors 53
2. Walls 57
3. Ceilings 73