Week 1 Assignment 1.2

I chose to review the design of the Golden Haggadah, or "glorious Hebrew prayer book" as the British Library describes it. Above is the opening page of the prayer book, and it is glorious, indeed!  The design elements speak for themselves much more beautifully than I can describe them; however, I will describe what I see for the sake of the assignment. :)
Contrast
The bright gold contrasts with the deep reds and blues in the design; the ornateness of the artwork contrasts with the simplicity of the text and the background. The text size and weight contrast, with the top tall and bold, the center bold and apparently in uppercase, and the bottom in more of a body style.
Repetition
Many elements are repeated:  the spiky triangles at the top, the scrolls on the left and right of the top, the menorah-like curved lines in the top center, the two figures with upraised arms, the blue fish-scale looking columns upon which they rest, the scrolls and columns that frame each side of the text.  Within the text area are some black graphics that repeat three times above the text.
Alignment
The design is very symmetrical with the text centered inside an arched window between the columns. The window rests on an oval with one line of text centered inside it.
Proximity
The text is contained within the arched window except for one line that is located in the oval at the bottom of the page.  Although they are separated, the oval is surrounded by the same color border as the text in the window, so it retains the same design feel.

The artist shows the importance of this book, the history of the Jewish people through the exodus from Egypt, by illustrating it with great detail, fine artistry, deep colors and rich gold.  Succeeding pages are embellished with more design features that highlight the text as well as provide visual stimulation and beauty.