Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories
                    - Games 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>Research>Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts>Publications>Center Report>Center 43>Research Reports>Matthew J. Westerby

Preface

Dean’s Report

People

Programs

Publications

Research Reports

Research Initiatives

Credits and Acknowledgments

All *Center*Reports

# Research Reports

**Matthew J. Westerby**Center 43

# Matthew J. Westerby

Makers, Users, and Patrons of Illuminated Manuscripts in 15th-Century Seville

Point-based FORS (fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy) analysis of decorative borders on *Missal, Use of Seville* (unknown maker, between 1425 and 1450, illuminated manuscript on parchment, Princeton University Library, Princeton MS 9). Photo: Courtesy of Matthew J. Westerby

This collaborative art history, conservation, and scientific research project explores materials and working methods used to produce richly illuminated manuscripts in 15th-century Seville. Organized around 13 initials in the Rosenwald Collection at the National Gallery of Art (1964.8.1218–1230), my research locates and partially reconstructs the original context of such cuttings, single leaves, and other fragments from choir books. The project seeks to catalyze an international working group and implement advanced analytical and visualization methods, including chemical imaging and point-based spectroscopic techniques for noninvasive material identification at the National Gallery of Art, combined with artificial intelligence approaches, including neural networks, to generate pigment maps. This research produces new knowledge on the selection and application of materials by artists and new data for art historians to reimagine working relationships among scribes, painters, and bookmakers. The aggregate findings will offer a more contextual understanding of the processes and sociopolitical realities motivating the makers, users, and patrons of these musical “picture books.” Over the last year, I traveled to various museum and library collections to study illuminations created in Seville in the 1400s. In February 2023, I facilitated a technical study visit with National Gallery colleagues John K. Delaney, Michelle Facini, and Roxanne Radpour to analyze two manuscripts created for use at Seville Cathedral in the collections of Princeton University Library. The products of this research will be developed into a digital publication focusing on manuscript illuminations traditionally attributed to the so-called Master of the Cypresses.

**Matthew J. Westerby started a new role at the Center as digital research officer in spring 2023.**

Back to Research Reports

### Stay connected

Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.

About
          - About the National Gallery
          - Stories
          - Press
          - FAQs
          - Contact Us

Plan a Visit
          - Getting Here
          - Accessibility
          - Today's Tours
          - Food & Drink
          - Calendar
          - Downloadable Map

Get Involved
          - Donate
          - Membership
          - Volunteer
          - Opportunities
          - Shop Online

Resources
          - Search the Collection
          - Conservation
          - Library
          - Archives
          - The Center
          - Film Programs
          - Music Programs
          - Audio/Video
          - Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*

          -  Twitter 
          -  Facebook 
          -  Instagram 
          -  Pinterest 
          -  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy