What is an illuminated manuscript ?

What is an illuminated manuscript

We call illuminations the ornaments present in books and manuscripts made using drawing, painting, and the application of metallic foil.

So what is an illuminated manuscript – a book in which the letters are hand-drawn and containing images that illustrate the text, made with the technique of illumination.

These ornaments often focused on the initial letters decorated with religious symbols and were, in medieval times, executed mainly by monks.

The texts had a drawn letter that was inserted at the beginning (capitular letter or initial).

They were so well drawn and full of details that they were true works of art, and they told stories themselves.

What is an illuminated manuscript – the themes in Middle Ages

The favorite themes covered biblical scenes, the steps of Christ’s passion, episodes from the lives of the saints, and mythological scenes.

Some very rich copies of illuminated books have come down to us, but unfortunately many others have been lost over time.

What is an illuminated manuscript – Get to know some examples of famous illuminated manuscripts.

What is an illuminated manuscript – not only in the European Middle Ages

Apocalypse of Lorvão (the four knights of the Apocalypse)

What is an illuminated manuscript – the history

The oldest testimonies of illumination date back to Ancient Egypt, as mentioned above.

In this civilization, illustrations were made on papyrus rolls, accompanying hieroglyphic texts, as is the case of the “Book of the Dead“, executed for important characters in society ( sovereigns, aristocrats, priests, etc.).

Section from the Book of the Dead by the scribe Nebqed, circa 1300 BC.

The Hellenistic period

The tradition of illumination continued during the Hellenistic period in one of the most active centers of the Mediterranean world, the Library of Alexandria.

Christianity and Middle Ages

During the early days of Christianity, many books were made but few copies have survived to this day, with the exception of a few Bibles from the 6th century.

Later, between the 7th and 9th centuries, this artistic form had great development in isolated Irish and English monasteries, which later transmitted it to the rest of Europe.

From the 10th century on, the attempt to integrate texts with images was accentuated.

With the adoption of very diversified and more complex compositional schemes.

Besides the narrative images, ornamental elements were frequently used.

In the form of frames or friezes, of abstract-geometric or vegetalist character, which articulated the illustrations with the text.

During the Gothic

In the Gothic era, the production of illuminations expanded greatly, leaving the restricted environment of monastery scriptoriums.

In some important cities, into an autonomous profession organized into guilds.

At this time, manuscript books, both religious and profane, were executed on commission from wealthy families, from the nobility, or from kings themselves.

After the 15th century

The production of illuminated manuscripts went into decline after the invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century.

Only a few copies were made on commission by patrons, usually in Italy and Flanders, in the Renaissance style.

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