Fore-Edge Painting

Introduction

File:FILE PRACTICE.jpg During the 16th century, the world was gifted with a new art form that completely transformed what the bookshelf could look like. What once was a drab looking shelf could now be the new centerpiece of one’s home. You may have come across this newfound artform when previewing the side of a book or it could have magically appeared as you flipped one open. You may have even contributed to the library of fore-edge paintings when you drew on one your textbooks during primary school—yes, this does count if it was on the edge of the book. This article seeks to delve deeper into the world of fore-edge paintings and explore their origin, history, how they’re made, what they’re used for, the differing variations, and their use in today’s world.