1. Preparing the Parchment:
- Skilled scribes used animal skins, primarily vellum (calfskin) or parchment (sheep or goat skin) to create the manuscript pages.
- The skins were soaked, scraped, and stretched to create smooth and durable writing surfaces.
2. Ruling:
- Fine horizontal and vertical lines were marked onto the parchment to help guide the scribing and illustrations.
- These lines ensured consistent and precise text layouts.
3. Scribing:
- Scribes, who were highly trained professionals, meticulously copied texts onto the parchment using quill pens.
- They used special inks, often made from natural pigments, and carefully formed each letter and word.
- The main text (often called the rubrics) was typically written in dark brown or black ink.
4. Illumination:
- Illuminators, skilled artists, added illustrations and decorative elements to enhance the manuscript.
- They used vibrant pigments, often made from minerals, plants, or crushed gemstones, to create detailed and colorful illustrations.
- Gold leaf, made by hammering gold into thin sheets, was commonly used to add a luxurious and shimmering effect.
5. Gilding:
- Gold was applied in various forms, including liquid gold, gold leaf, and gold powder.
- Techniques such as burnishing and tooling were used to enhance the sheen and luster of the gold.
6. Decorative Techniques:
- Illuminators employed various decorative techniques, such as pen and ink drawings, miniature paintings, intricate border designs, and ornamental initials.
- Each manuscript displayed unique artistic styles and techniques based on the traditions of the region or period in which it was produced.
7. Binding:
- The individual pages were carefully assembled and collated in the correct order.
- The manuscript was then bound together, often with wooden boards covered in leather, textiles, or metal clasps.
The creation of an illuminated manuscript was a collaborative effort involving skilled scribes, illuminators, and craftsmen. Each step required precision, attention to detail, and artistic talent, resulting in extraordinary works of art and literature.