Joseph the Bold (Rams Horn)

Order of the Rams Horn (Concordia Backlog)
Sumer Archery Shoote
Awarded June 27, 2009 (AS XLIV - 44)

June 25, 2012: Apparently this is a rush job since Joseph won't be at Pennsic.

Arundel 285   ff. 5v-6   Flagellation of Christ

I've wanted to use this early 16th century collection of Scottish poetry as an exemplar for a while now, but have never been given an assignment that's suitable. I'm not sure what it is about this period book that draws me to it, but I find it very alluring even though it is no where near the quality of other books from period. I think I like it's simplistic and graphic nature, it's seemingly rushed calligraphy. It's almost like the scribe / artist / writer was trying to hurry through it because he had other more important (fun!) things to do.

I feel like this will fit Joseph to a T.

June 27, 2012: Basic layout and the majority of the calligraphy is done. I chose to clean up the calligraphy a bit by using a more formal cursive as I simply do not have the time to learn the strokes to imitate the example. I think it still works.

July 8, 2012: I hope our Scottish Joseph the Bold enjoys being flogged by the English Baron...


Details:
Calligraphy & Illumination by Isabel Chamberlaine. Inspired by a 16th century Collection of Scottish Poetry (Arundel 285) housed in the British Library.

Paper: Peramenata, 230gsm, Natural
Materials: Oak Gall ink.

Words by His Excellency, Baron Pierre de Tours

Before artillery became the king of the battlefield there were archers. European history in general and English and French history in particular were shaped by the skill of the archer. Skill with the long bow was recognized as being vital enough that English law required its practice. As with most arts seemingly simple, skill with a bow is the result of long hours of dedicated and diligent practice.  There are many ways to do it incorrectly and few ways to do it correctly. Joseph the Bold has clearly spent the time and done the practice to do it correctly. Joseph makes his arrows, his bows, and his shots. Recognized as among the best bowmen of the Kingdom, We do feel it right and proper, seeming and just, that in recognition of his skill and dedication that Joseph the Bold shall be taken into Our Order of the Ram’s Horn in recognition of his abilities on this twenty seventh day of June on the occasion of Our Sumer Archery Shoot in the year of the Society Forty-Four in decision of which I set my Hand.

Scroll ID: Isabel C XXX
Completed July 8, 2012