Fore-edge Paintings

[semyaza]

"A fore-edge painting is a miniature watercolor executed on the fanned edge or edges of a book; when the book is closed the art disappears, now hidden by the edge gilding. This genre of painting dates from the 1500s, flourished in the 1800s, and is still practiced today. Anonymous and undated paintings include landscapes, scenes and characters from

Comments

[leaflet]

Fascinating. I will be fanning the pages of gilt-edged books from now on.

[semyaza]

Now I know why the poor things look so well-thumbed...

[annwyn55]

That is absolutely fascinating! Our old family bible had such a thing - vellum pages and a painting of the Last Supper on the fore-edge. I never thought anything more of it other than a source of entertainment. I wish I had been more observant.

[semyaza]

What happened to it?

[annwyn55]

My kids were the last entry in it - no space for more. I suppose it's still in the old family home, in the care of my sister. I haven't thought about it in decades. Hmmm... I may make inquiries, at that.