Illuminated Letters

The Middle Ages

(400-1400)

An Illuminated Letter is usually the first letter of a page or paragraph from a book. It is larger than the other letters in the word and illustrated with pictures and color.

Generally, the “illuminated” part of the picture is enhanced with gold leaf to make it shine.

ecause

In the Middle Ages, books had to be written by hand and illustrated by artists. There

were no bookstores!

The Middle Ages(400-1400)

• In the middle ages, a monk copying out books often decorated the first letter of each paragraph. This is called “Illumination”.

• He would first make a rough sketch, then outline that with pen. The gold leaf would then go on first, followed by all the other colors made from ground up stones and plants.

Importance of IlluminationsIlluminations defined a time in history when the ability to read was sacred and reserved for religious leaders or those born of royal blood.Because it took great skill to create such items of beauty and because these creations were so important, it was a great time in history for artists! For without their skills and talents such beautiful images might not have ever existed!

They can be found in old music books as well.

http://www.medievalscript.com/stjohns.html