After Class 2/12

Today in class we reviewed the previous chapter and also got into Chapter 5- Printing comes to Europe.  First we brought up the Book of Kells someone attempted to describe the artwork on a particular page from that book.  We then looked at the Spanish piece- Four Horseman of Apocalypse which apparently 'scared the hell out of people', according to Laura Huaracha.  The Book of Hours was also discussed, which was a book of prayers.  Next we went into Johann Gutenburg, who created the first printing press.  The style he typically used was Textura.  It was during his time that playing cards were created, which was an important invention because it equalized everyone since people of all classes were allowed to use them.

I was interested at how the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse scared so many people during its fine hour.  When I first glanced at it, it just looks like any other old painting, containing no terrifying images.  Of course there is a black floating person-thing, which can be compared to a ghost, but in all honesty, this isn't scary!  It interesting to see how the term 'scary' can change over so many years.  Scary to us is today much more graphic and meaningful.

When I read the chapter yesterday, I understood it as Gutenburg wasn't credited with printing the first bible because that douche bag sued him right before it was going to be finished.  But in class today, it was said that he did get the credit for it,... so does that mean he was credited at the time, or in today's time he is credited?  I know it isn't a big deal, but I'm curious.  Poor guy getting bullied all the time.  Give him some slack ya know?