Modelling of draperies
Artists' Techniques
Draperies of different colours were modelled in different ways. Dark blue, orange and dark pink fabrics were painted in uniform hues, with folds defined by black lines, and decorative motifs painted in thin white lines. This gives them a rather ‘flat’ appearance compared with the light pink and light blue robes, which were modelled with gradations of colour to create the illusion of volume. On fol. 3r, the modelling is more three-dimensional and dynamic, but the gradation of colour is less delicate than on other folios.
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Historiated initial D with Christ enthroned and Joan Clifford kneeling in prayer (Hours of the Trinity)
The burnished gold background is patterned with rosettes formed of clusters of small punched dots. The folds of Christ’s light blue cloak are subtly shaded to create the illusion of three dimensions (hotspot 1), unlike the dark blue and orange draperies which are painted in a uniform hue, creating a ‘flat’ effect.
The patron Joan Clifford, kneeling near Christ, wears a ceremonial dress emblazoned with her heraldic arms (hotspot 2). The arms are also represented in the border. Silver is present in the arms and in her robe, where it has tarnished, showing a darkened appearance and frequent losses.
The light brown hues of the animals and figures in the margins were obtained with mosaic gold, as is the case of the wounded deer (hotspot 3), and with an organic brown, in the case of the bird perched on a vine (hotspot 4).