Order of the Willow Scroll for Lord Ryan Mackenzie, OSO, OW

Gall Ink on Opaline Vellum.

This unusual scroll is done in the style of 15th and 16th Century engravings that would be found on the title page of a printed book.  Many of these pages are wonders of architectural design offering a unique look in to the personal symbolism of the author, printer, or patron.

Lord Ryan Mackenzie's scroll has been customized with several symbols of personal importance to him.  The overall feel of this piece was inspired by late period Italian engravings with a dramatic jeweled appearance.  If you look closely at the original piece you will find thistles from his native Scotland, rampant lions from his coat of arms, cut gems representing his art, mermaids representing his boat, his initials and of course a willow tree.  This is one of my favorite works. :-)

Columns inspires by Badius

Mermaids Inspired by Holbein

Johnson, Henry Lewis; " Decorative Ornaments and Alphabets of the Renaissance", Dover, New York, 1991