An illumination is an embellishment or additional decoration that enhances and draws attention to information on a page. Originally, illuminations were ordered by Kings and religious leaders to add interest and importance to manuscripts, religious texts, and important documents. In the Middle Ages, monks were the only people that created these illuminations, so illuminated texts were rare and expensive. Owning an illuminated text represented wealth and power as well as importance. As the middle class grew wealthier, scribes were added to the exclusive group that were allowed to create illuminated letters. The illuminated letter has undergone transformations throughout the ages, and is still used today in publications, representing both modern styles and styles that look back to those of the Middle Ages. Below are the various styles and characteristics of illuminated letters.
Celtic: From the early Middle Ages; features bright colors, birds and animals, rubrication (a shadow effect), and oftentimes, red dots surrounding the illuminated letter.
Historical example: The Book of Kells
Romanesque: Features a large illuminated letter, often with a painting inside, strange animals
Gothic: Smaller caps than before, more realistic paintings, borders and letters are decorated with flowers and vines
Renaissance: Printing press is optimized, the illuminations become the only hand-drawn objects in texts
More examples:
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