From A to Z : Initials and filigrees from the 12th century

Cecilia Boschi and I propose a long weekend of calligraphy with two very different subjects and moments shared on the practice of our art.

from Friday 21 to Sunday 23, April 2023

Arche of Saint-Antoine – 38160 Saint-Antoine L’Abbaye (France)

At the end of the Romanesque period, all over Europe, scriptoriums change the way they decorate their versals. The initials adopt very free forms before being standardized again in the centuries that follow. Their color palette is also very rich. Finally, it is at this time that the first filigrees with very vegetal forms appear. During this course, we will study the historical forms of the initials as well as their decoration based on more than 50 different manuscripts and we will produce our own modern initials by playing with colors and patterns.

The course will be taught in English and French.

All audiences are welcome, from beginners to professionals.

Day 1 : study of the historical forms and the splitting of the colored initials.
Day 2 : study of filigree and decoration patterns
Day 3 : modern compositions (or not) inspired by what we have seen the previous days

supply list

pencil, eraser, ruler, draft paper
pointed nibs
small broad edge nibs (between 0.5 and 1 mm)
gouache or acrylic
quality paper for creative works

The cost of the course is 190€ per person. Payment is to be made at the time of registration with l’Arche.
The cost of accommodation and meals must also be paid to L’Arche.

Cecilia Boschi will propose a course on the Italian bastarda with pointed pen at the same dates and we will share moments with the two groups to exchange on our practices but also for demonstrations or lectures.

If you have any questions about the course you can contact me through this page. Questions regarding accommodation should be addressed to the Arche of Saint-Antoine and, those concerning the course of Cecilia are to be sent to her on this address: info@ceciliabcalligraphy.com