An Illuminating Art: How Manuscripts were Decorated for Education and Edification

Medieval illuminated manuscripts have given scholars a window into the past in terms of material and purpose of art. Illuminations have been used as storytelling devices, materials for the church, and gifts for the wealthy. Some of the pieces illuminated were descriptions of science, the church, or morality stories. Illuminations have evolved through the centuries and reflect the era and location of which they are created, such as the evolution of borders and monograms. Here, you will see a description of the materials used, the purpose of the art, and some of the important meanings associated with illuminated manuscripts