Illuminated manuscripts were handwritten books from the Middle Ages that were decorated with gold or silver, such as decorated initial letters and borders, as well as small illustrations. Monks often created illuminated manuscripts, adding illustrations and decorative elements to religious texts to beautify the scripture. The decorations in illuminated manuscripts supplemented the text.

1. Illuminated Manuscripts
a manuscript in which the text is
supplemented by the addition of decoration,
such as decorated initials, borders
(marginalia) and miniature illustrations.

2. Thesedifferentstylesarecalledfonts.

3. • Illuminated manuscripts were often created
by monks to begin handwritten books of
scripture

4. Look at the font of
the letter, does it
have a serif?

5. • What elements
and principles do
you think are most
prevalent in this
image?
• Notice the pattern
or Rhythm