Symbols and Signs: Decoding Medieval Manuscripts

Names Written in Superimposed Letters in Model Book of Calligraphy (detail), 1561-62, George Bocskay. Watercolors, gold and silver paint, and ink. Getty Museum, Ms. 20 (86.MV.527), fol. 90
Explore the mysterious world of medieval codes through manuscripts. Learn about the clever configurations of textual and visual elements that medieval scribes and artists deliberately and playfully employed to arrest the attention of readers and engage their minds in deciphering divine and worldly secrets. Intricately interwoven letters, puzzling monograms, cryptic symbols, and more await to be decoded.
This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.
Partners and Sponsors
Selected Works
Related Tours
Publications


Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta
Exhibition Resources
Decoding Medieval Manuscripts
Video playlist
(opens in new tab)Watch three animations that reveal how scribes and artists used clever design to communicate ideas and messages, both sacred and worldly
Symbols & Signs: Decoding Medieval Manuscripts Gallery Text
PDF
- (opens in new tab)
To request a checklist of this exhibition, please contact: manuscripts@getty.edu
Exhibition checklist