Illuminated manuscript

An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration or illustration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniatures. In the strictest definition of the term, an illuminated manuscript only refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver. However, in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term is now used to refer to any decorated manuscript. The vast majority of surviving manuscripts are from the Middle Ages, although many illuminated manuscripts survive from the 15th century Renaissance, along with a very limited number from late antiquity. The majority of these manuscripts are of a religious nature. However, especially from 13th century onward, an increasing number of secular texts were illuminated. Most illuminated manuscripts were created as codices, although many illuminated manuscripts were rolls or single sheets. A very few illuminated manuscript fragments survive on papyrus. Most medieval manuscripts, illuminated or not, were written on parchment (most commonly calf, sheep,or goat skin) or vellum (calf skin). Beginning in the late middle ages manuscripts began to be produced on paper. Illuminated manuscripts are the most common type of artifact to survive from the middle ages. They are also the best surviving indication specimens of medieval painting. Indeed, for many areas and time periods, they are the only surviving examples of painting.

Related Topics:
Manuscript - Text - Initial - Miniatures - Middle Ages - Renaissance - 13th century - Codices - Papyrus - Parchment - Vellum - Paper - Painting

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For a list of pre-modern illuminated manuscripts please see List of Late Antique, Medieval, and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts.

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