On Divers Arts

by Theophilus

"I have made it my concern to hunt out this technique for your study as I learned it by looking and listening." On Divers Arts , c. 1122, is the oldest extant manual on artistic crafts to be written by a practicing artist. Before Theophilus, manuscripts on the arts came from scholars and philosophers standing outside the actual profession. On Divers Arts describes actual 12th-century techniques in painting, glass, and metalwork, which the Benedictine author wished to pass on to those gifted by God with a talent for making beautiful things.Theophilus teaches, with rigorous attention to fact but also with great reverence the making of pigments for fresco painting, the manufacture of glue, the technique of gold leaf on parchment (the first recorded European reference to true paper), how to blow glass and design stained glass windows, how to fashion gold and silver chalices, and how to make a pipe organ and church bells. Precise instruction on enameling, chasing, repoussé, niello, and beaded wire work prove Theophilus's first-hand knowledge of his craft.While 90 percent of Theophilus's writing is sound technical knowledge, medieval folk lore occasionally spices his "Tools are also made harder by hardening them in the urine of a small red-headed boy than by doing so in plain water." But the magnificent fact of On Divers Art remains its status as the first technical treatise on painting, glass, and metalwork, for which actual specimens still survive. The editors have taken care to ensure both philological and technological accuracy for this authoritative edition of a medieval classic, a manual of great importance to craftsmen, historians of art and science, and all who delight in the making of the beautiful.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, History, Art History, Medieval, Reference

Hardcover

First published August 1, 1968

About the author

Theophilus Presbyter is the pseudonymous author or compiler of a Latin text containing detailed descriptions of various medieval arts, a text commonly known as the Schedula diversarum artium or De diversis artibus, probably first compiled between 1100 and 1120.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting for anyone who paints, crafts, or works with glass and/or metal. The commentary and footnotes are essential to interpretation, and I would have given it 4 stars if there had been a little more deciphering of the terms, especially the botanical references for materials used. It seems to have been written for someone who was at least an experienced apprentice, as many details that were likely "common sense" in the early 12 century are glossed over. Nevertheless, it is a very interesting reference and a window into an earlier time and stage of technology.

[Johannah Gage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really excellent reference for SCA

[Cintia · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3 Not only has this book gotten onto my dissertation, but I have reread it countless times. I can not stop. Help

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was worth a read. I've been getting into jewelry smithing and was interested in antiquated techniques. Some of the methods described were fascinating. Some of this book was interesting from a historical perspective. Most of the methods aren't relevant today, but they were still fascinating to read.

Some amusing and useless things from this book:

How to breed devil chickens that produce gold
How to properly mix silver with lead and broken glass
How to use urine to process gold

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resourse for my egg tempera reserach

[Cynbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for anyone looking for medieval techniques in painting, glass making and metal work. Though the whole section on pigments is probably one of the most useful.