Illuminated Manuscript The Art Of Embellished and Gilded Lettering Created by: Patricia Duresky The First Academy, Orlando Florida

An Illuminated Manuscript  is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders (marginalia) and miniature illustrations. In the most strict definition of the term, an illuminated manuscript only refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver, but in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term is now used to refer to any decorated or illustrated manuscript from the Western traditions.

Medieval Manuscripts General Background The illuminated manuscript was a handwritten book with pictures and decoration painted or drawn in bright colors, illuminating, or lighting up, the page -- was a major form of artistic expression in medieval times. Illumination was a complex and frequently costly process. It was usually reserved for special books: an altar Bible, for example. Wealthy people often had richly illuminated "books of hours" made, which set down prayers appropriate for various times in the liturgical day.

Illuminated Capitals

REPOUSSE’- In Metal, Illuminated Capitals

USING THE FRAME- Trace the inside perimeter of the frame- add a border the width of the ruler( inside frame) . Copy over drawing in RED PEN so you can see where you have copied. You should see distinct lines without breaking through the foil. Now you are ready for tooling the foil.

COMPLETED REPOUSSE’ The final draft after being tooled will be HAND COLORED with PERMANENT SHARPIE Matted and labeled With your name and class ID.