The Colors in Medieval Illuminations through the Magnificent Scriptorium of Alfonso X, the Learned

Abstract

This pioneering work studied the medieval color palette of four manuscripts produced in the scriptorium of Alfonso X, king of the Crown of Castile (r. 1252-84), including the Songs of Holy Mary (Cantigas de Santa Maria, in Rich Codex and Musicians’ Codex), Lapidary (Lapidario), and Book of Games (Libro de los juegos). Scientific analysis based on fiber-optics reflectance spectroscopy in the visible and Raman spectroscopy showed a color palette based on lapis lazuli, indigo, azurite, vermilion, red lead, orpiment, yellow ochre, two different greens (bottle green and vergaut), lead white, carbon-based black, and most importantly, brazilwood pinks, reds, and purples. So, it is now the first reported use of this lake pigment in European medieval manuscript illumination. The painting technique is also discussed. The diversity of colors and techniques, with the presence of lapis lazuli, brazilwood lake pigments, purple, and gold, demonstrates Alfonso X’s desire to produce sumptuous manuscripts.

Towards a Sustainable Preservation of Medieval Colors through the Identification of the Binding Media, the Medieval Tempera

“…Recent material studies have reinforced the previous proposal that the Songbook was produced at the end of the 13th century, beginning of the 14th century; however, its place of production remains a mystery [23]. The previous proposal that it had possibly been produced in the scriptorium of Alfonso X, the Learned, due to iconographic similarities to the Songs of Holy Mary, has been refuted with the material study of its scriptorium [47,48].…”