Illuminations
What is an Illumination?
Originally, illumination referred to the simple act of including color, usually red lead, in a manuscript with the body of the text written in black. This was done to draw attention to a particular passage by identifying the first letter or word of the section in color.
Some minimal color decoration may also have been used. In time, the interpretation of illumination expanded to include manuscripts on stained vellum adorned with gold or silver. The letters and decoration executed in the precious metals reflected the surrounding light. Also included were richly ornamented pages displaying a profusion of color.
We are proud to continue this tradition by using precious metals in all custom created gold and silver illuminations. Remember, all work is hand crafted and not computer generated.
Click on the links to see samples of our work...Contact us for a more detailed presentation!
Illuminations need not be limited to manuscripts – they can be created in a larger format to become individual pieces of artwork, such as a unique monogram. Styles range from traditional to contemporary and, as described above, can be painted or decorated in gold or silver
An illuminated manuscript is one in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniature illustrations. In the strictest definition of the term, an illuminated manuscript only refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver, but in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term is now used to refer to any decorated or illustrated manuscript from the Western traditions. Comparable Far Eastern works are always described as painted, as are Mesoamerican works. Islamic manuscripts are usually referred to as illuminated but can also be classified as painted.
Illuminations need not be limited to manuscripts – they can be created in a larger format to become individual pieces of artwork, such as a unique monogram. Styles range from traditional to contemporary and, as described above, can be painted or decorated in gold or silver
An illuminated manuscript is one in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniature illustrations. In the strictest definition of the term, an illuminated manuscript only refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver, but in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term is now used to refer to any decorated or illustrated manuscript from the Western traditions. Comparable Far Eastern works are always described as painted, as are Mesoamerican works. Islamic manuscripts are usually referred to as illuminated but can also be classified as painted.
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