Which materials did artists use to make the pages of illuminated manuscripts appear to glow?

The Use of Materials in Illuminated Manuscripts

Artists used a combination of materials to make the pages of illuminated manuscripts appear to glow. The term "illumination" derives from the Latin word illuminare, which means "to light up or illuminate." This radiance was achieved by using colors, especially gold and silver, to decorate the manuscripts. Before beginning the illumination process, the artist would create an outline drawing using a leadpoint or quill and ink.

Evolution of Illuminated Manuscripts Production

In the Early Middle Ages, it was common for the same person, often a monk, to handle both the text and illumination of a manuscript. However, as the High Middle Ages approached, the roles of text composition and illumination started to become separated. By the beginning of the 14th century, secular workshops were established to specifically produce manuscripts and their illuminations.

Significance of Gold in Illuminated Manuscripts

Gold played a crucial role in giving illuminated manuscripts their glowing appearance. A book needed gold embellishments to be considered fully illuminated. Artists would typically incorporate gold into the pages to enhance the radiance and richness of the colors used in the decoration.