Seshat Salon Art Creators
Is illumination an old tradition in Moissac?
The peak of the scriptorium at Moissac Abbey was from the end of the 9th to the 12th century. During this long period, the monks' writing workshop produced a large number of manuscripts on parchment, a large part of which was saved by Colbert who acquired nearly 150 of them. In addition to his original creations, the medieval abbey of Moissac maintained relationships with his counterparts in the Cluniac network and was inspired by the manuscripts of Limoges, Cluny or elsewhere. But the copyist monks did not seek fame, the illuminations were anonymous, and most scribes did not sign their works. We can sometimes be able to decipher an author's name mixed with the interlacing of a drop cap, but this is quite rare.
Why expose the exercise of this work to visitors?
A presence and activity in front of visitors to the Premier Salon des Créateurs d’Art gives it life. I paint live in front of visitors, I welcome them, they question me and I respond to their curiosity. There are real exchanges and thanks to these interactions, tourists take an active part in their visit and show all the signs of great satisfaction. The questions can address the techniques of illumination as well as its place and role in the history of Moissac or the materials used to color the motifs.
