Illumination Page

Ashlyn Talcott P:6

In the Middle Ages, many books were hand-written original works. The
illumination manuscripts were called this due to their incorporation of gold or
sometimes silver leaf on the pages. An illuminated manuscript is not considered
“illuminated” unless the illuminations contained these gold accents. This was a process
known as burnishing. Illumination itself comes from the Latin word illuminare which
means “light up,” During the early Middle Ages most of these books were used by
priests and monks. Books began to be produced for religious institutions as well as
individuals around the 12th century. Most illuminators were humble craftsmen as well
as some were independent artists who often traveled from place to place looking for
commissions. Illuminators usually belonged to either the painter’s society or another
association involving the book trade. Until the late Middle Ages, most illuminators had
remained anonymous. This changed with the gradual increase in status from artisan to
artist. From then, more illuminators in the
late Middle Ages began to sign their work
and sometimes even included a small
representation of themselves somewhere in
their artwork.The entire process of book
illumination was very time-consuming as
well as expensive. This meant that the
illuminated manuscript was a luxury item
for wealthy customers-usually paying
patrons. Although the early printed books
were often made to represent illuminated
manuscripts, due to the way of hand
coloring, the art of book illumination
gradually disappeared around the sixteenth
century.

Questions:
1. Where does the work “illumination” come from and what does it mean? The word
“illumination” comes from the Latin word 'illuminare'. Meant to adorn, enlighten or illuminate. It
was defined as the embellishment of a manuscript with luminous colors-particularly gold. The
artist who produced these works of art on illuminated manuscripts were knows as Illuminators.
2. How did secular artisans grow from Monastic communities? How could this growth have
helped the development of Renaissance ideas? A Monastic community was described as a
building or complex sheltering the workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns. A monastery
generally includes a place reserved for prayer. By the mid-11th century, reforms in monasteries
across Europe resulted in new religious orders. This created new manuscripts specific to their
needs. The stylized curves and rhythmic patterns of the drapery are typical of Romanesque art
and were unlike typical Mass books. This is probably what helped the growth to the Renaissance
ideas; the mind and creativity of the people started to expand.
3. Explain briefly the following: parchment, illumination, and binding:
Parchment: Most medieval manuscripts were written on Parchments; specially treated
animal skins. The pelts were first soaked in a lime solution to loosen the fur, removed,
scraped with a knife, then got its tension adjusted. This cycle was repeated until the
desired thinness had been achieved.
Illumination: The action of illuminating or state of being illuminated. Can be used for
spiritual or intellectual enlightenment or decorative lighting by the art of illuminating.
Binding: Once the writing and illuminating has been completed, the parchment sheets are folded
and put into groups called gatherings. This formed the front and back covers of the book. The
binding was usually then covered in leather or a decorative fabric and its most stunning features
were the metal corner pieces and raised medallions that would protect the binding as it rested on
a surface.
4. Explain why papyrus didn’t survive as well as parchment and vellum. One would only find
papyrus in the early part of the middle ages. This was because papyrus was very labor-intensive
and had to be imported from Egypt. Papyrus was replaced in Europe by the cheaper, locally
produced products parchment and vellum.