Parchment

Definition

Parchment is a writing material made from the skin of animals, typically sheep, goats, or calves, and has been used since ancient times for recording texts and creating manuscripts. It was highly valued in the creation of illuminated manuscripts due to its durability and smooth surface, which allowed for intricate illustrations and detailed calligraphy. Parchment played a crucial role in preserving literary and religious texts throughout history, especially before the widespread use of paper.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parchment was commonly used in Europe during the Middle Ages for creating books and documents, especially before the introduction of paper from Asia.
2. The process of making parchment involved cleaning and stretching animal skins, then drying them under tension to create a smooth writing surface.
3. Illuminated manuscripts often featured elaborate illustrations and were sometimes bound in luxurious covers to reflect their importance and value.
4. Parchment could be reused; scribes would scrape off the ink from older texts to create new ones, a practice known as 'palimpsesting.'
5. The quality of parchment could vary significantly based on the type of animal skin used, the treatment process, and the skill of the artisan making it.

Review Questions

• How did the use of parchment influence the creation of illuminated manuscripts during the Middle Ages?
  • Parchment's smooth surface and durability were ideal for the intricate artwork and detailed calligraphy found in illuminated manuscripts. The ability to support vibrant colors and gold leaf made it a preferred medium for artists and scribes. This connection between parchment and artistic expression allowed for a flourishing of creativity that characterized many important texts from this period.
• Discuss the differences between parchment and vellum and how these materials impacted manuscript production.
  • Parchment is made from the skins of mature animals, while vellum is crafted from the skins of young animals, resulting in a softer and finer texture. The choice between using parchment or vellum could impact both the visual quality and cost of manuscript production. Vellum was often used for more prestigious works due to its higher quality, while parchment was more commonly used for everyday documents.
• Evaluate the significance of parchment in preserving knowledge during the transition from ancient to medieval times.
  • Parchment played a crucial role in preserving ancient texts as Europe transitioned into the medieval era. Its durability allowed important literary and religious works to be copied and distributed even as political and social changes occurred. The continued use of parchment in monasteries facilitated the preservation of knowledge during a time when literacy rates were declining. This safeguarding of information through parchment was vital for the later revival of learning during the Renaissance.

Related terms

vellum: A finer quality of parchment made from the skins of young animals, such as calves, which is softer and smoother than regular parchment.

illumination: The artistic decoration of manuscripts, particularly those that include gold or silver leaf, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, often enhancing the text written on parchment.

manuscript: A handwritten document or book, typically produced on parchment or vellum, often containing literary, historical, or religious content.