The De- initial marks, the larger the initial and the more
velopment of ornate (p. 262). A slight complexity in the opening
Illumination letter or word of a book does not seriously interfere
with the readableness of the book as a whole. The
general rule is followed that the greater the number
of (decorative) forms the plainer they are kept (see
p. 92), and if a book contained an “initial” on
every page, it would be both an artistic and a work¬
ing economy (if there were many pages) to make
the majority of them rather plain.

But however simple the treatment of the initials
may be, there is still room for considerable variety of
form or ornament or type—as “round” or “ square”
letters (see fig. 80, and especially Plate XI). Such
variety is found in the best work ; it adds a liveliness
and charm which are quite lacking where there is
unnecessary or mechanical repetition.

“ Lombardie ” versus Roman Capitals.—The round,
fat letters which are known as “Lombardie” (see
fig. I, and Plates XV, XVII) have been generally
used for “illuminated initials” in Northern Europe
since the thirteenth century. But—though they are
capable of very beautiful treatment—they are rather
doubtful models for us to follow. The fact that such
letters will always pack neatly into a square niche
or background—though an obvious convenience—
is not an unmixed advantage. And the majority
of examples show a debased type of Letters—often
so unlike their originals, and so like one another,
as to be scarcely readable. For the sake of readable¬
ness the stems should be made longer (fig. 128).
The more slender “Roman” type of initial, com¬
monly used in Italy (Plate XVIII), is in every
way a more legible letter. The Roman Alphabet
still remains the finest model, and it is better that
176

fine lettering should be almost too slender and The De¬
velopment of

■b i , ,-fc ». _ — ^Illumination

ODliDGd

Thagram shaving the tendency & confusion Ье-
Ùveen Lornbcuh-tmñe^-ícTtns of this typefôalfo

орГюш

a Severe* t~ type in which, the letters’ are max
oistínctr ; theitcncanctmstics being more markeh

Fig. 128.

delicate, than that it should be at all heavy or
clumsy.

BORDERS & BACKGROUNDS

The illuminated border was originally an extension
or branching out of the initial decoration. It com¬
monly occupied the greater part of the left-hand
margin, and from thence it extended into the head1
or foot margin (or into both), or completely sur¬
rounded the text, and even the eight margins of a

1 Where it is possible it is desirable to mark the top left-
hand comer of the “page” (and also the lower corner) by a
branch, flourish, bud, or flower (see Plates XIX, XXII). A
top left-hand corner appearing vacant or rounded off is apt to
weaken the whole effect (see p. 100).

177