Natalie Naor
Boston, Massachusetts

[Theophilus], On Divers Arts

On Divers Arts is the oldest extant treatise we have that captures how craftspeople created their materials and performed their techniques. Written by an unknown German artist whom we call Theophilus, it describes a wealth of processes from gilding books to creating stained glass. My design comes from medieval window tracery which would have been the housing for sublime stained glassworks formed by artists, and which would have filtered light and evoked a heavenly presence.

Goatskin leather, eggshell veneer, 24k gold leaf, Holbein Acryla Gouache, silk thread, decorative paste paper. 9 x 6.75 x 1.125 inches. 23 x 17.1 x 3 centimeters. Created 2018.

NATALIE NAOR is the current Von Clemm Fellow at the Boston Athenaeum, and is pursuing a career in book conservation. She graduated from the North Bennet Street School with a degree in bookbinding in 2017. In addition to book repair, she continues to create fine bindings and historic models.

Website: www.natalienaor.com