Headpiece (book illustration)

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Headpiece from "Triodion", a religious manuscript from 1642

Headpiece (also spelled head-piece), is a

printer's ornament or a small illustration done by a professional illustrator.[1]

The use of decorative headpieces in

Byzantine book production, and enjoyed particular popularity during the Renaissance.[2]

Headpieces, sometimes incorporating a

anthropomorphic
motifs were used widely in manuscripts and in editions of the Bible in the 15th century.

Similarly, a tailpiece is located at the end of a chapter or section.

Notes and references

  1. ABC-CLIO
    . Retrieved 19 September 2013.
  2. ^ Michelle P. Brown (1994). "Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts: A Guide to Technical Terms". Malibu: J. Paul Getty Museum in association with The British Library. Retrieved 19 September 2013.

See also