THE HISTORY OF ILLUMINATION

In the middle ages, all books were handwritten and decorated, using miniature illustrations, deep borders and initials, hand-painted with exquisite, jewel-like colours for embellishment. Some letters were formed from animals, birds and fish, with intricate patterns. Later, they would include vines and floral forms. The term ‘illuminated’ comes from the Latin word for ‘lit up’, or ‘enlightened’, and it refers to the bright colours and gold which were used as decoration. The gilding of manuscripts with silver and gold leaf was rare before 1200, but the word ‘illuminated’ is widely used to describe any decorated or illustrated manuscripts. During the middle ages, most books were used by priests and monks for religious worship. The earliest surviving manuscript dates from the 5th century. When universities, as opposed to churches, were established as seats of learning, bookmaking was done by itinerant craftsmen, rather than monks. Noblemen employed them, requesting sumptuously illustrated documents to demonstrate their wealth. Ornate lettering, with flourishes and curls, was fashionable, and burnished gold leaf was used widely. The status of the scribes rose, and after the late middle ages, more illuminators signed their work. The invention of Gutenberg’s printing press circa 1450 signalled the end of the handmade manuscript. Early printed books were made to resemble illuminated manuscripts, with embellished capital letters created by wood blocks and hand-coloured illustrations. By the 16th century, the art of illumination had all but disappeared.