[Woodcarver] woodcarving history...

[sally nye]

I hope someone can answer my question or offer an opinion.

Recently we visited 2 museums in Paris:  The Louve and The Medieval 
Museum.  There were very intricately done woodcarvings dating to the 
16th century and before.  Of course the medieval museum had the wooden 
combs, ear pics etc. with stories carved in the handles.  The carvings 
were so small & intricate you could barely see the detail with the 
naked eye.  The delicate work was incredible.

The Louve had beads (for prayer) that were about 1/2-inch in diameter.  
The beads were on a string and totaled 10, some had 12.  Each bead had 
a line carved around the circumference.  The top portion as well as the 
bottom portion was then segmented into triangles, like a geometric 
ball.  Story scenes were carved on these beads.  Each triangle was a 
complete scene.  One of the triangles was of the "Last Supper" with 
complete facial details and expression.  It was dated around 1503.

Some of the very old European castles have these types of carvings as 
well.  What type of tools did the very early carvers have for them to 
do this kind of work?  Also, did they have something comparable to our 
magnifying glass?

I would really appreciate your opinions.
Sally
http://www.fancarversworld.com