Explore Art Search

Exhibitions
Explore Art
Education
Research and Conservation
Publications
Games
About the J. Paul Getty Museum



Previous
Making Manuscripts

Select the Play button


Video Segments

Play All (5 min. 53 sec.)
Parchment (1 min. 41 sec.)
Writing (1 min. 24 sec.)
Illuminating (1 min. 17 sec.)
Binding (1 min. 31 sec.)

An illuminated manuscript is a book written and decorated completely by hand. Illuminated manuscripts were among the most precious objects produced in the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, primarily in monasteries and courts. Society's rulers--emperors, kings, dukes, cardinals, and bishops--commissioned the most splendid manuscripts.


Back to Top