![]() ![]() The practice of illustrating individual letters (known as historiated initials) in a manuscript was applied to important secular documents recording the exercise of power by a monarch. To learn more about the life of the author of U DP144, Paulus Nicolettus, see our collection catalogue at: This suggestion seems to be confirmed by reference to the author of the text as ‘the most famous master of the sacred page’. However, the presence of any illumination in such a volume suggests the author or the work was highly significant at the time the volume was created. The illumination is fairly simple and limited in extent, which is perhaps a result of the volume’s status as a book of logic, rather than a religious text. A Brother Anthony de Vulpis is identified in the volume as the scribe, or the person who physically wrote the words onto the pages. ![]() Thanks to rough notes written in the volume, we can identify two of the previous owners one was a James de Ricardis of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) the other was the Convent of San Giacomo in Soncino, Lombardy. It is quite a small book, written in Latin in a gothic hand and was most likely produced in Italy. This particular copy was purchased by the University of Hull in 1933, but the reasons for the purchase are unclear. It is an early 15th century book by Paulus Nicolettus, and is titled ‘Logica Brevis’. However, we do have one thing that can be considered a ‘proper’ illuminated manuscript…ĭetail from Logica Brevis by Paulus Nicolettus, early 15th cent. Sadly, there are no illuminated manuscripts as grand as the Book of Kells lurking in the strongrooms at Hull History Centre. Very few illuminated books were being produced by the 16th century and only then for the extremely wealthy who were the only ones still able to afford them. However, as printing boomed, illumination declined. Early printed books also left space for illustrations to be added later by hand. They can also help us to understand questions of cultural power, political authority and wealth in those societies.Īs the number of secular scribes increased so too did the use of illustrative flourishes on non-religious texts, important documents such as Letters Patent and Royal Charters might be given decorative initials. For these reasons, illuminated manuscripts can help us to understand the values prized by the societies that created them. The time, skill and costs involved in producing an illuminated manuscript, conferred on them a significant monetary value. Some incredibly special and treasured volumes would also be given jewelled bindings, as was the case for the Lindisfarne Gospels. Illumination was a lengthy and delicate task, requiring years of practice to do well, and was only undertaken by the most skilled illustrators. The writing of the text was a highly skilled task, requiring a high degree of literacy and accurate attention to detail. The pages of manuscripts were made from vellum, a very fine and very expensive material, which was made from the laborious processing and treatment of animal skin. ![]() ![]() They worked in rooms known as scriptoria, and when we read accounts of these places they appear as hives of quiet and dedicated activity. Monks were amongst the most literate individuals in society. Illumination was reserved for those texts considered to be most spiritually valuable, thus making them stand out from other writings.īefore the rise of secular book production, most illuminated manuscripts were produced by monks working in monasteries. These include bibles, choir books and prayer books, known as Books of Hours. However, many different texts, initially mostly religious pieces, have been considered worthy of illumination. Two famous examples are the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Book of Kells, both of which are copies of the New Testament Gospels. The earliest known illuminated manuscripts date from c.400-600 CE, but the majority of surviving examples date from the Middle Ages. Examples of illustrations can range from simple textual flourishes to full page paintings, and the most highly decorated examples even include gold leaf! The term ‘illuminated manuscript’ is commonly used to refer to bound volumes, but can encompass any handwritten manuscript which incorporates hand-drawn or painted illustrations. The most richly decorated examples are amongst the most visually stunning and breath-taking works of art in the world. Illuminated manuscripts can be found in library and archival collections across the globe. ![]()
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