Analysis of an ancient manuscript: Tyndale’s New Testament

My first impression is that this is a piece of artwork, not a manuscript. The lettering is beautifully executed and the artwork that illustrates the message is so colorful and gives the eyes a rest from the closely written letters/words.  As for the design elements (C.R.A.P.) they were pretty well represented on the page. Contrast: The printer used larger and bolder text for the title of the chapter. The first word in the chapter is the word “In”. The letter I is highlighted by being gold inside a blue box that is edged in gold. Repetition: The artwork on the page has beautiful and rich colors of red, and blue. These two colors are repeated in special characters that seem to identify the beginning of paragraphs within the text. Obviously this was done before verse numbers were added to the testaments.  The artwork and the special characters are both outlined in gold.  Alignment:  The heading and two sub headings are center aligned at the top of the page. The rest of the text is right/left justified.  Proximity: Using the technique in our lesson, I squinted and looked at the page. To my eye there are 3 separate visual elements; the title and subtitles, the artwork, and the text. The use of the elements, the elements chosen, and the quality of the work shows the reader that the book was a very important piece of literature. The visual richness of the manuscript shows not only an artistic eye, but exudes reverence to the work.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/landprint/tyndale/large17667.html