Calligraphy

Illuminated ManuscriptIlluminated Manuscript

What is an Illuminated Manuscript?

Illuminated manuscripts are manuscripts in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials and borders. The earliest ones ever found were from AD 400 to 600.

Manuscripts contain most of the finest surviving examples of medieval painting. The word manuscript is derived from the Latin words manus (hand) and scriptus, from the verb scribere (to write). Today the term is used to describe any handwritten text. The word illumination comes from the Latin verb illuminare (to light up), which, in this context, describes the glow created by the radiant colors of the illustrations, especially gold and silver. Illumination took the form of decorated letters, borders, and independent painted scenes, called miniatures.

Illuminated manuscripts are manuscripts in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials and borders. The earliest ones ever found were from AD 400 to 600.

Manuscripts contain most of the finest surviving examples of medieval painting. The word manuscript is derived from the Latin words manus (hand) and scriptus, from the verb scribere (to write). Today the term is used to describe any handwritten text. The word illumination comes from the Latin verb illuminare (to light up), which, in this context, describes the glow created by the radiant colors of the illustrations, especially gold and silver. Illumination took the form of decorated letters, borders, and independent painted scenes, called miniatures.

anuscripts were most often written on parchment, a high

quality writing support made from the specially prepared skins of calves, sheep, or goats. Although paper could be found in Europe as early as the 14th century, parchment continued to be used for several hundred years in spite of the greater cost involved. Its beautiful texture and translucency, its ability to withstand the wear and tear of daily handling, and its resistance to the dissolving action of acidic inks were among the qualities that made parchment so appealing.

anuscripts were most often written on parchment, a high

quality writing support made from the specially prepared skins of calves, sheep, or goats. Although paper could be found in Europe as early as the 14th century, parchment continued to be used for several hundred years in spite of the greater cost involved. Its beautiful texture and translucency, its ability to withstand the wear and tear of daily handling, and its resistance to the dissolving action of acidic inks were among the qualities that made parchment so appealing.

Though various Islamic societies also practiced this art, Europe had the longest and probably the most highly developed tradition of illuminating manuscripts.

In the great era of the illuminated manuscript, the art of the illuminator often played an important role in the development of art. The portability of the manuscript made it a simple means for the transmission of ideas from one region to another, and even from one period to another. On the whole, the development of painting in manuscripts paralleled the development of monumental painting. After the development of printing in Europe in the second half of the 15th century, illumination was superseded by printed illustrations.

Though various Islamic societies also practiced this art, Europe had the longest and probably the most highly developed tradition of illuminating manuscripts.

In the great era of the illuminated manuscript, the art of the illuminator often played an important role in the development of art. The portability of the manuscript made it a simple means for the transmission of ideas from one region to another, and even from one period to another. On the whole, the development of painting in manuscripts paralleled the development of monumental painting. After the development of printing in Europe in the second half of the 15th century, illumination was superseded by printed illustrations.

Illuminated LetterIlluminated Letter

Elaborate BorderElaborate Border

Create an Illuminated Manuscript

Choose a short poem, lyric or quote to write in calligraphyDesign an illuminated letter and border

HomeworkDue Next Class

Choose a short poem, lyric or quote

Print 3 Illuminated Manuscripts or Letters

Choose a short poem, lyric or quote

Print 3 Illuminated Manuscripts or Letters

NO, you will not have class time to use computers

SO please do your homework

NO, you will not have class time to use computers

SO please do your homework

YES, It must be school appropriateYES, It must be school appropriate