Codicology Course at El Escorial, Spain
Negar recently participated in an intensive five-day codicology course at the Real Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Spain. The course covered a wide range of subjects related to manuscript studies, including the physical construction of the codex, manuscript decoration, palaeography, and methods of manuscript description and analysis.
Alongside the theoretical lectures, the course included hands-on practical sessions in which participants worked together in groups to examine and describe manuscripts. These collaborative exercises provided valuable experience in applying codicological methods directly to historical materials and encouraged discussions among participants from different academic backgrounds.
A particularly valuable aspect of the course was the opportunity to spend time in the library of El Escorial, which forms part of the monastery commissioned by King Philip II in the sixteenth century. During this time, Negar was able to examine several manuscripts featuring different decorative techniques and styles, providing important comparative material for her ongoing research on manuscript decoration.
The course also included visits to various parts of the monastery, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context in which the collections have been preserved. Exploring the architecture, library spaces, and historical surroundings added an important dimension to the study of the manuscripts themselves.
Overall, the course was an extremely productive experience. It provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives with fellow participants, as well as with leading scholars in the field, including Professor Nuria de Castilla and Professor François Déroche. The combination of lectures, practical work, access to manuscripts, and scholarly discussions made the course a highly enriching and inspiring experience.
