What are Manuscript Illuminations?

The elaborate illustrations, ornamental calligraphy, and colorful embellishments that adorn manuscript pages are known as manuscript illumination. These illuminations have a distinctive visual appeal with their meticulously hand-drawn detailing and striking pops of color [1].

The usage of expensive pigmentation and leafing was used to display the wealth of the patron who was commissioning the work. Moreover, illuminations also had a practical purpose, with illustrations being used as teaching tools to spread religious doctrine to those who were illiterate. Further, other characteristics of illuminations, such as borders, drop letters, and chapter divisions, helped readers navigate through the texts [2].

In the examples, notice the progression and variations of art styles between time periods and cultures. Each European culture would have its own distinctive artistic influences, which would shape the nature of its manuscripts [3]. During the 14th century, the Renaissance period would be the impetus that would progress the art of illumination from awkward, two-dimensional figures to more realistic, detailed representations [4]. 

[1] “Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts.” Minneapolis Institute of Art. https://new.artsmia.org/programs/teachers-and-students/teaching-the-arts/art-in-context/medieval-illuminated-manuscripts 

[2] Getty Exhibitions. 2003. “The Making of a Medieval Book.” September 23, 2003. https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/making/.

[3] S., Max. 2022. “Naturalism and Medieval Art.” Witnessing Medieval Evil. March 21, 2022. https://voices.uchicago.edu/witnessingmedievalevil/2022/03/20/naturalism-and-medieval-art/.

[4] Palladino, Pia. 2003. “Manuscript Illumination in Italy, 1400–1600.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. October 1, 2003. https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/manuscript-illumination-in-italy-1400-1600.