Illuminated manuscript

Illuminated manuscript from the 12th century
A page from the Book of Hours (Use of Metz) with a decorated Initial (c. 1440)

An illuminated manuscript is a handwritten book decorated with gold, silver, or miniature pictures. Illuminated manuscripts were most commonly found in medieval Europe, where Christianity was the state religion of various kingdoms. Illuminated manuscripts are said to have played a huge role in the history of arts. The ease of carrying illuminated manuscripts from one region to another contributed to the spread of knowledge. From the 15th century onwards, illuminated manuscripts were replaced by printed manuscripts.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Illuminated manuscript | History, Production, & Facts". Britannica. Retrieved June 10, 2025.