illuminated manuscripts

What are illuminated manuscripts?

Illuminated manuscripts are hand-made illustrated pages decorated with gold or silver leaf and commonly made on vellum pages made from animal skin, such as calf, sheep, or goat skin.

These illustrations were first created in the 6th century in Western Europe and were practiced until about 1600 CE. They happen to be the best surviving items from the Middle Ages due to the exceptional quality of vellum.

*Vellum pages from the Book of Hours from 1440.*

These decorative illustrations were used in books for religious teachings, especially popular with Christianity. Illustrated manuscripts were also wanted by wealthy patrons for their personal collections and prayers.

*The Coronation of the Virgin – Master of Jacques of Luxemburg, created in France around 1466-1470.*

Illustrated manuscripts were also used in Islamic religious teachings, including the Qur’an.

*Illustration from Shahnameh (Book of kings) – Ferdowsi, created around 1485-1495 in Persia.*

*Dating from the 18th or 19th century, a manuscript in the Qur’an.*

The most common illuminated manuscripts from 600-1600 CE were made by Persian, French, and Italian painters such as Behzad, Jean Pucelle, and Liberale da Verona. An example of their works are shown below:

*The Building of the Famous Castle of Khawarnaq – Behzad, 1494.*

*Belleville Breviary – Jean Pucelle, 1323-1326.*

*Jesus Before the Gates of Jerusalem – Liberale da Verona, 1470-1474.*

Are illuminated manuscripts still used or made to this day?

Due to the introduction of the printing around the 14th and 15th century, the demand for illuminated manuscripts began to die out. Most illuminated manuscripts used for religious teachings that we can see now are preserved ones from the Middle Ages and are very popular with collectors. However, that doesn’t mean anyone can’t make any more right now! They may not be used for churches and personal worship, but may be seen as personal artwork inspired from the religious culture of the Middle Ages.