Illuminated Manuscripts

Gold leaf, miniature painting and the decorated initial. The Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels, books of hours made for people who could not read the Latin in them, bestiaries, and the marginalia, the knights fighting snails, the rabbits with trumpets.

Part of Books

61 moments in this segment.

1. 1295 - Historiated Initial (O) Excised from an Antiphonary: The Donor, Gorus Fucci, Kneels before Christ. (?). ink, tempera, and gold on parchment. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1300–1350. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
2. 1295 - Leaf from a Book of Hours: Initial D: Massacre of the Innocents (1 of 2 Excised Leaves). ). Northeastern France or Flanders. ink, tempera and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1300–1330. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
3. 1295 - Bifolio from a Gradual: Initial (G) with Christ, the Virgin, and Apostles and Initial (O) (recto). ). Italy, Siena(?). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1300. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
4. 1301 - Leaf from a Book of Hours: Initial D: Flight into Egypt (2 of 2 Excised Leaves). ). Northern France or Flanders, early 14th Century. ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, early 1300s. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
5. 1305 - "Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings). Folio from an illustrated manuscript in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Islamic Art). Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, ca. 1330–40.
6. 1320 - Leaf Excised from an Antiphonary: Initial Q with Saints Peter and Paul. 1325. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
7. 1325 - Leaf from a Missal: The Crucifixion (recto) and Text (verso). ). Bohemia. ink, tempera, and gold leaf on parchment. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1330–40. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
8. 1330 - Leaf from a Gradual: Historiated Initial R: The Resurrection (recto) and Initial D (verso). ). Italy, Naples. ink, tempera, and gold on parchment. Cleveland Museum of Art, mid-1300s. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
9. 1340 - "Bizhan Slaughters the Wild Boars of Irman", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings). Folio from an illustrated manuscript in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Islamic Art). Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, dated 741 AH/1341 CE.
10. 1341 - The Tale of the Twelve Faces. "Bizhan Addresses the Army": Illustration from the Firdausi Shahnama (recto); Th. "The Warriors Engage in Combat": Illustration from the Firdausi Shahnama (verso). Iran, Shiraz, Inju (Il-Khanid), 14th Century. opaque watercolor and ink on paper. Cleveland Museum of Art, 1341. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograp
11. 1354 - Le livre de seyntz medicines f.67 r. (cropped). A portion of a page of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster 's Le Livre de Seyntz Medicines '' showing the title.
12. 1400 - Firma parlante marginale autografa di Paris Malmignati.. Handwritten marginal notes in a book or manuscript, the reader’s own traces left in the margin.
13. 1400 - Gorgias marginalia 05. Clarke Plato. Handwritten marginal notes in a book or manuscript, the reader’s own traces left in the margin.
14. 1400 - Gorgias marginalia 03. Clarke Plato. Handwritten marginal notes in a book or manuscript, the reader’s own traces left in the margin.
15. 1400 - The Story of Hushang (recto), Illustration and text (Persian Prose) from Majmac al-Tavarikh (A Compendium of. ) of Hafiz-i Abru; Text Page, Persian Prose, (verso), from Majmac al-Tavarikh (A Compendium of Histories) of Hafiz-i Abru. Afghanistan, Herat, Timurid period (1370–1501). ink and opaque watercolor on paper. Cleveland Museum of Art, early 1400s. This is a reproduction of the object
16. 1400 - Phaidros marginalia 1. Clarke Plato. Handwritten marginal notes in a book or manuscript, the reader’s own traces left in the margin.
17. 1410 - Pair of Bifolio from a Book of Hours: Adoration of the Magi and Coronation of the Virgin. 1415. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
18. 1415 - Leaf from a Gradual: Historiated Initial S[alve Sancta Parens] with Birth of the Virgin (recto) and Music (ver. ). Northern Italy, 15th century. ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1420–50. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
19. 1415 - Book of Hours (Use of Paris) - The Bedford Master. Bound Volume in the Cleveland Museum of Art (Medieval Art). France, Paris. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, c. 1420.
20. 1430 - Bifolio from a Book of Hours: The Crucifixion (recto), Text (verso). ). France (Angers, Nantes, or Poitiers). ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1435. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
21. 1435 - Leaf from a Missal: The Crucifixion (Frontispiece for the Canon of the Mass). ). North Netherlands, Augustinian Cloister of Agnietenberg, near Zwolle, 15th century. ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1440–1450. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
22. 1435 - Book of Hours (Use of Metz) - France, Metz. Bound Volume in the Cleveland Museum of Art (Medieval Art). France, Metz. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, c. 1440.
23. 1450-06-15 - Herodotus, Histories, with marginalia by Lorenzo Valla, Vat. gr. 122, fol. 41r und 122r. Herodotus, Histories. With marginalia by humanist Lorenzo Valla. Vatican library, Vat. gr. 122, fol. 41r und 122r.
24. 1450 - Quadragesimale doctoris illuminati F. de M. - Upper cover (IA22648). Style: Panel design; Caption: Upper cover; Colour: Brown; Edge: Unspecified
25. 1455 - Bifolio from a Book of Hours: Initial V with Floral Border (recto); Text (verso). ). Austria (? ) or Bohemia (?), 15th century. ink, tempera and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1460–1500. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
26. 1465 - Leaf from Jehan de Courcy's "Chronique Universelle": King Priam Meets Helen and Paris outside the Gates of Tro. 15th century. ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1470. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
27. 1465 - Illuminated Folio (recto) from a Gulistan (Rose Garden) of Sa'di (c. 1213–1291). ). Afghanistan, Herat, Timurid period (1370–1501). Gum tempera, ink, gold, and silver on paper. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1475–1500; border: c. 1550. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
28. 1465 - Book of Hours (Use of Rouen) - Master of the Geneva Latini. Bound Volume in the Cleveland Museum of Art (Medieval Art). France, Rouen. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, c. 1470.
29. 1470 - Leaf from a Book of Hours: The Annunciation. (?). ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, 1470s. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
30. 1475 - Single Leaf from a Missal: The Crucifixion. 15th century. ink, tempera, and gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1480. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
31. 1495 - Leaf from a Book of Hours: Ape Hunting Wild Boars (recto) and Ape Fishing (verso). ). France, Paris or Rouen, 16th century. ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1500–1510. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
32. 1510 - Printed Book of Hours (Use of Rome). Bound Volume in the Cleveland Museum of Art (Medieval Art). France, Paris. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, 1510.
33. 1510 - Printed Book of Hours (Use of Rome): fol. 66v, Text. Bound Volume in the Cleveland Museum of Art (Medieval Art). France, Paris. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, 1510.
34. 1510 - Printed Book of Hours (Use of Rome): fol. 95v, Text. Bound Volume in the Cleveland Museum of Art (Medieval Art). France, Paris. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, 1510.
35. 1550 - Folio from khamse of nezami 15th. A Persian manuscript painting, made as an illustration bound inside a book rather than as a standalone picture.
36. 1550 - Qajar Miniature (1800 - 1850) Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Music, Film and Choreography - Art Palace. A Persian manuscript painting, made as an illustration bound inside a book rather than as a standalone picture.
37. 1556 - Yusuf and Zulaykha (recto); Text Page, Persian Verses (verso). ). Iran, Shiraz or Mashhad, Safavid period (1501–1722). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1556–65. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
38. 1575 - "The Concourse of the Birds", Folio 11r from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds). Folio from an illustrated manuscript in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Islamic Art). Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, ca. 1600.
39. 1602 - Jesus being portrayed by King Abgar’s painter (folio 143 recto), from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of. (1569–1627). Gum tempera, ink, color, and gold on paper. Cleveland Museum of Art, 1602–4. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
40. 1605 - Persian ruba‘i (quatrain) by Maulana Muḥammad Murshidi Zawara’i (Persian, late 1500s - early 1600s) (verso). ). India, Mughal, 17th century. Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper. Cleveland Museum of Art, c. 1610–1620. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
41. 1605 - "Unwan", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album. Album leaf in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Islamic Art). Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. Digitised image of the artefact itself; dated to the object, recto and verso: ca. 1630–40.
42. 1680 - Eight Lines of Musical Poetry of the Jajner Nauras (Rag Bhairav) of Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur (verso). ). Southwestern India, Karnataka, Bijapur, 17th century. Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper. Cleveland Museum of Art, late 1600s. This is a reproduction of the object itself, not a modern photograph of a building.
43. 1765 - Beginning verses of the Zafarnama from the "Patna Missal" illuminated Dasam Granth Manuscript
44. 1843 - Historical Works of Venerable Bede vol. 2 - Manuscript sample. Wikimedia Commons file from Illuminated manuscripts.
45. 2010-10-19 - Pens, paint-making and illumination. New York Public Library scriptorium demonstration: carving quills, grinding paint and laying gold.
46. 2011-05-13 - Joel ben Simeon, a named medieval Jewish illuminator. A Met lecture on one of the few medieval Hebrew scribe-illuminators whose career can be traced across surviving books.
47. 2012-05-09 - Illuminated Manuscript, Book of Hours in Dutch, Annunciation, Walters Manuscript W.918, fol. 13v. This Book of Hours was created in Zwolle, Netherlands, ca. 1470. It belongs to the group of “Sarijs manuscripts,” which was named after the erroneous citation in most works that identifies the manuscripts as belonging to the same group of “Sarijs” instead of “Marijs” on January 19 of their calendars (also found in W. 918). In a study of this group by Lydia Wierda, the author suggests that these ma
48. 2012-05-30 - The making of medieval illuminated manuscripts. Gresham College lecture by Dr Sally Dormer on materials, workshop practice and patronage.
49. 2014-06-17 - Making manuscripts. Getty Museum's overview of how an illuminated manuscript was made, from preparing skin to binding the finished book.
50. 2015-10-18 - Illumination tools and materials. Calligrapher Patricia Lovett lays out the tools, pigments and gold used in manuscript illumination.
51. 2017-10-25 - Armenian illuminated manuscripts. Art historian Christina Maranci on the Armenian illumination tradition from the seventh century through the kingdom of Cilicia.
52. 2018-08-26 - How an illuminated manuscript is made. A chaptered walkthrough of manuscript production: parchment, ink, quills, writing, correction, illumination and binding.
53. 2018-11-22 - Making manuscripts: making miniatures. British Library short on the layered work behind a miniature painting in an illuminated book.
54. 2020-05-13 - A librarian on Audubon's Birds of America. Rare-book talk on how the plates were engraved by Robert Havell in London, hand-coloured, and sold by subscription over eleven years.
55. 2020-08-19 - Syriac manuscript decoration. HMML's curator of Eastern Christian manuscripts discusses a Syriac miniature and the depiction of the manuscript's own owner.
56. 2021-02-02 - Illuminating a manuscript the traditional way. Discovery UK craft segment on making an illuminated page using period materials and techniques.
57. 2021-04-09 - Making medieval manuscripts. An Art Gallery of Ontario conversation on the artists, materials and workshop economics behind illuminated manuscripts.
58. 2022-01-10 - A short history of illuminated manuscripts. World History Encyclopedia on the decorated handwritten book and the precious materials used in it.
59. 2022-04-13 - Illuminated Hebrew manuscripts. Morgan Library curators trace Hebrew illumination from Ashkenaz through to collections in America.
60. 2022-06-29 - Fifty spectacular illuminated manuscripts. A British Library curator tour of gold-illuminated manuscripts from collections around the world.
61. 2023-04-21 - Of Kings and Paintings: Persian art history. A documentary on Iranian painting traditions, including the illustrated manuscript and its Qajar-era transformations.