Illumination

The introduction of the Gutenberg printing press made the process of hand-illumination obsolete because manuscripts no longer were created individually by hand in this manner. Artwork and embellishment remained a part of manuscript decoration, but produced with etching or wood block printing. At times, certain details were hand colored or lined after the print was produced, however the amount of detail and effort involved was not to the extent of original illuminating techniques.

Besides the basic ability to paint, other required abilities of a manuscript illuminator included: Ability to conceptualize a religious event or experience. Ability to mix pigments for paint. Knowledge of symbols, colors, and the ability to read and interpret the text that is being embellished. Ability to do creative work without little acknowledgment or personal gain. The ability to make artwork a part of the lettering, often using letters themselves as the art piece.

Related skill: Calligraphy