Illuminated manuscript

An illuminated manuscript is a handwritten book decorated with intricate designs, gold or silver leaf, and vivid illustrations. Created mainly during the Middle Ages, these manuscripts often contained religious texts, such as Bibles or prayer books, but also included literary works. The detailed artwork served to enhance the meaning of the text and reflect the importance or sacredness of the content. Making an illuminated manuscript was a meticulous and expensive process, typically performed by skilled artisans in monasteries or scriptoria. Today, they are valued as masterpieces of medieval art and craftsmanship.