AVI-2O
Mrs. McClung
lluminated Manuscripts
The Middle Ages
• The Middle Ages are commonly referred to as the
medieval period. The European Middle Ages are
normally thought of as the time from 400 A.D. to 1500
A.D.
What is an Illuminated Manuscript
• Illuminated manuscripts are handwritten books decorated with gold or silver,
brilliant colours, elaborate designs, decorated letters, borders and miniature painted
scenes. Some were even enriched with jewels. Manuscripts contain most of the finest
surviving examples of medieval painting. In the strictest definition of the term, an
illuminated manuscript only refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver.
However, the term is now used to refer to any decorated manuscript.
What were they used for?
• Illuminated manuscripts were considered sacred objects containing the word of
God. Therefore, most illuminated manuscripts were made for churches or
monasteries. However, many wealthy people also owned their own illuminated prayer
books. These books were small enough to carry in a pocket for travel. The books
were decorated lavishly so their outward beauty would reflect their sublime contents.
Until printing was developed in the fifteenth century, these manuscripts were the only
form of books in existence, preserving religious teachings.
Who made them?
• Illuminated manuscripts were drawn by monks in secluded monasteries throughout
Europe.
How were they made?
• Manuscripts were most often written on parchment (skin of a sheep or goat prepared
for writing on) and covered in leather.
What is a Historiated Initial?
• A Historiated Initial is an oversized initial letter
containing an identifiable narrative scene or figures,
sometimes relating to the text. Historiated initials first
appeared in manuscripts of the early 800s and remained
popular throughout the Middle Ages.