Decoration

The web interface allows manuscripts to be filtered according to a high-level classification of the types of decoration they contain.

The current filters (with notes on their usage) are as follows:

Miniature

Painted or tinted images, whether part of an original decorative scheme or added.

Drawing

Uncoloured drawings or sketches, whether part of an original decorative scheme or added.

Border

Painted borders of any type (including for example historiated, inhabited, foliate)

Historiated initial

Initials, usually painted, containing identifiable persons or narrative scenes usually related to the text.

Decorated initial

Other initials with significant decorative features, usually painted; includes 'arabesque' and 'silhouette' initials.

Flourishing

Initials with "fine linear embellishment" (Brown) often in a contrasting colour (includes 'puzzle' initials); borders of similar embellishment.

Plain initials

Initials of a single colour or in the ink of the text.

Headpiece

Map

Diagram