

#Famous illuminated manuscripts how to#
Many of the tales that we think of as “fairy tales” were actually written during this time period as cautionary stories intended to teach children how to behave properly. Many of the most famous illuminated manuscripts were created in monasteries by monks who were skilled in calligraphy and painting.ĭuring the Middle Ages, literature was often used to teach moral lessons. Illuminated manuscripts are books that have been decorated with pictures and often with gold or silver. The vernacular languages are those spoken by the people, such as French, German, and Italian. Latin works are those that were written in Latin, the language of the church and of learning. Literature from the Middle Ages is often divided into three categories: works in Latin, works in the vernacular languages, and illuminated manuscripts. One of the most popular forms of medieval literature was poetry. Over time, more secular literature was produced, including works on science, history, and philosophy. The first books were the Bible and other religious texts. Until the end of the twelfth century, almost all books were written by or for the church alone. The primary function of early monastic life was to preserve, read, and duplicate these texts. For Christians, the Bible is a sacred text because it contains the God-given revealed truth. Christianity, like Judaism and Islam, is a writing religion. The Old Testament was the first of these books, and as time went on, other forms of literature such as poetry and illuminated manuscripts were created. Thanks to the efforts of scholars over many centuries, we can now read and appreciate the great works of literature from the Middle Ages. Today, we can enjoy the beauty of these medieval books without having to worry about being persecuted for our beliefs. The most famous illuminated manuscript is the Book of Kells, created by monks in Ireland around the year 800 AD. These works of art are known as illuminated manuscripts. They decorated the pages of religious texts with beautiful images and ornate letters. The monks and nuns who copied manuscripts were highly skilled artists. They were creating things that very few people would be able to create or have any use for- books. They were doing something that no one else had done before – reading and writing. During this dark and chaotic era, small communities of devout Christians could live safely and pursue a religious life. The Middle Ages lasted roughly a thousand years, from the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century AD to the rebirth of classical art and learning known as the Renaissance around the fifteenth century. You can also visit museums that have collections of illuminated manuscripts on display. If you are interested in learning more about medieval literature and poetry, there are many resources available online and in libraries. The collection includes manuscripts from all over Europe, and it is one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. The Illuminated Manuscripts Collection at the British Library contains some of the most important and valuable examples of this type of artwork from the Middle Ages. This manuscript was created in Italy during the 8th century, and it is currently housed at the Laurentian Library in Florence. This manuscript was created by monks in Ireland during the 9th century, and it is now on display at Trinity College in Dublin.Īnother well-known illuminated manuscript is The Codex Amiatinus, which is a Latin translation of the Bible. One of the most famous illuminated manuscripts is The Book of Kells, which is an illustrated version of the Gospels. However, there are also many secular manuscripts from this time period that provide insight into the everyday lives of medieval people. Many of these manuscripts were created by monks or other religious figures, and they often contain religious texts or illustrations. The illuminated manuscripts that have survived from the Middle Ages are some of the most precious and valuable artifacts from this time period. These beautiful works of art give us a window into the past, allowing us to see how people in this time period expressed themselves through their writing. Medieval Literature and Poetry Illuminated Manuscripts offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the people who lived during the Middle Ages.
