After studying the elements of design: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity, I decided to investigate a 15th century manuscript available for viewing at The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin: The Gutenberg Bible.
http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/gutenberg/web/pgsdbl560/2_629630_309v310r.html
The elements of design can be seen in this manuscript with its perfectly aligned column of text, the enlarged first letter of the page, that contrast the subsequent black letters. The colored filigree at the top left that also serve as a contrast, and the random red letters that contrast the black font. The enlarged letters allows the reader to understand where the text stopped and the smaller red letters act as subtitles and add emphasis to following scripts. Did ancient manuscripts dictate our modern interpretation of design?
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