medieval manuscript illumination

Medieval manuscript illumination refers to the artistic decoration of handwritten books during the Middle Ages, often involving intricate borders, initial letters, and vivid illustrations. These illuminations used materials like gold leaf, bright pigments, and detailed imagery to enhance the text visually and spiritually. Created by skilled artisans called illuminators, they served both decorative and didactic purposes, bringing stories and religious themes to life. Illumination made manuscripts valuable, inspiring, and revered, blending art and literacy in an era before printing, and reflecting the cultural and religious significance of the texts.