Many historic treatises make reference to artists materials and techniques.
Most treatises translated into English and published to the general public are currently
out of print. They may be available at libraries or through used book sources, many
are available on-line through Google books.
HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED:
TREATISES ON PAINTING TECHNIQUE
"Il Librbro dell' Arte"
Cennino Cennini
Translation by Daniel V. Thompsom, Jr. currently in print from Dover Books
A 15th century Italian painters manual; very complete, very reliable.
TREATISES ON ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT
“De Arte Illuminandi, the technique of Manuscript Illumination”
Daniel V. Thompson, Jr. Yale University Press 1933
Anonymous 14th century Italian text written by a practicing illuminator, includes
detailed instruction on all aspects of manuscript illumination.
Medieval and Renaissance Treatises on the arts of Painting”
Mary Merrifield Dover Publications reprints in 1967/ 1999; original 1849.
Collection of historic treatises in original language with English translations on the
art and materials of painting from the 12th through the 17th centuries.
“The Gottingen Model Book
edit: Hellmut Lehman-Haupt University of Missouri Press, Columbia 1972
15th century instruction with illustrations on painting and gilding acanthus leaf
boarders and diaper (checkered) backgrounds.
“The Strasburg Manuscript” a medieval painters’ handbook
edit: Viola and Rosamund Borradaile London/Alec Tirantil 1966
15th century or earlier / Northern European origin; detailed workshop
instruction from two sources (Heinrich of Lubbege and Andrew von Colmar)
on all aspects of manuscript illumination materials, techniques and gilding
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