Gilding
The application of thin sheets of gold or silver leaf to a surface, carried out by an illuminator. See also burnishing.
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Flesh side
The side of parchment of vellum that is generally whiter and smoother.
Burnishing
The process of polishing metal leaf to achieve a smooth and reflective sheen. The metal leaf is rubbed into the prepared surface using a hard stone like agate to achieve this brilliant effect. See also gilding.
Mass
The celebration of the Eucharist.
Liturgy
The public rituals and observations of devotion as performed by a religious group. For medieval Christian liturgy, Mass and the Divine Office were principle acts of liturgical devotion.
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is believed to be the third divine person in the Trinity with God the Father and God the Son being two other distinct persons. The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a white dove descending upon Christ…
Divine Office
Daily devotions celebrated by the clergy and members of religious orders.
Rubric
Text such as a title or chapter heading that has been highlighted using red ink. Rubricating a text helps to identify its components.
Verso
The back side of a folio, or left-hand page of an open book.
Recto
The front side of a folio, or right-hand page of an open book.