Original scientific paper

Decorated Initials of the Trogir Epistolary — Beneventan vs. „Non-Beneventan“ Prototypes

Rozana Vojvoda ; Umjetnička galerija Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Abstract

Analyses of the late thirteenth/fourteenth century Trogir Epistolary decorated initials and the comparison with two thirteenth century Evangelistaries kept today in Trogir and written in the Beneventan script reveal continuity of usage of initials typical for eleventh century Dalmatian manuscripts written in Beneventan script. These are geometric initials composed from rectangular upper forms divided into compartments and placed on slender vertical shafts, and ornamental initials composed from the typical Beneventan repertory of forms such as interlacing pattern, pearl ornament and ornamental animal heads. The Trogir Epistolary also contains archaic initials with human and animal depictions that derive from the Beneventan tradition.
Possible prototypes for these initials from manuscripts written in Carolingian script are suggested as well as one of the possible explanations of the conservative features of its decoration.

Keywords

Beneventan script; Trogir; Epistolary; Evangelistary; decorated initials

Hrčak ID:

133549

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/133549

Publication date:

13.11.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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