During the first quarter of the twelfth century a monk known as Theophilus Presbyter wrote On Divers Arts. Although precise information about his identity may never be known, it appears that this German monk had firsthand experience with the technology and philosophy of art. Writing in language that varies from mystical to precise, Theophilus focused artistic production, particularly in areas such as metallurgy, enameling, painting, and sculpture. The following preface to the first part of his work reflects these diverse interests:

Theophilus—humble priest, servant of the servants of God, unworthy of the name and profession of monk— wishes to all, who are willing to avoid and spurn idleness and the shiftlessness of the mind by the useful occupation of their hands and the agreeable contemplation of new things, the recompense of a heavenly reward!

In the account of the creation of...