When I was stationed in Korea our Chaplain asked me to give a guest lecture regarding the signs and symbols of Christian art. As the class was for GI's I started by presenting them with the Hangul word for "Stop", in plain black letters on a white background. None of them knew what it was, and I established that, w/ regards to Hangul, they were essentially illiterate. As soon as the word was placed in white letters on a red octagon, they knew what it meant...not only did they know what it stood for, but I advised that that simple image was powerful enough that, given a car, it would evoke an internalized physical response...Just imagine the power of images over an entire population that is generally illiterate!!
Illuminated manuscripts make up a considerable part of the history of art and in their scenes of sacred history inspired painters, sculptors, goldsmiths, ivory workers, etc.....illumination is one of the most charming art forms ever conceived.
Most famous example is the Book of Kells an illuminated manuscript of the Gospel created in Ireland probably around 800 AD.
Thanks for your contributions, Joe. We lucked out when you found this thread.
I won the Calligraphy Award when I was in high school, I think it was 1962. The actual award was an old page of religious text written by a monk in the 13th century. I should probably go get it from the old home and put it in my studio or something, it's surely the oldest thing I own.
Even so, I don't actually consider myself a calligrapher, but did make my living in the sign business for many years. Lettering is an art form of its own. My favorite type faces are those based on the Roman ones, some of the oldest we have, and also the most beautiful. Next, I like the Celtic types.
Joe, that was a really nice example of the power of the symbol, thanks.