Illuminated manuscript leaf

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

Public Domain. There are no known restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Illuminated manuscript leaf, C0399, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Summary

Extent:
.01 Linear Feet 1 item
Creator:
Teigen, Philip M.
Abstract:
Single double-sided leaf from an illuminated manuscript containing sections from the choral Conversion of Paul.
Language:
Latin .
Preferred citation:

Illuminated manuscript leaf, C0399, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Background

Scope and content:

Single double-sided leaf from an illuminated manuscript containing sections from the choral Conversion of Paul. On one page portions of the "Introit: Scio cui credidi" can be seen beginning at the top and on the other page portions of the "Alleluia verse: Magnus sanctus Paulus" begin with the first illuminated letter "M."

Biographical / historical:

Derived from the Latin words "manus" (hand) and "scriptus" (writing) the term manuscript refers to those text written by hand. The term illumination, taken from the Latin "illuminare" (lighted up), referred to decoration of manuscript text with gold leaf, or sometimes silver, giving the impression that the page had been literally illuminated.

Throughout the early medieval period illuminated manuscripts were written and illuminated solely by monks and mainly centered on the creation of Latin texts used in Christian worship. By the start of the thirteenth century, the growth of literacy and universities as centers of learning led to an increased demand for books of all kinds, turning the creation of illuminated manuscripts into a city-based business, in which professional scribes and illuminators were hired to complete the work. Traditional illuminated manuscripts were written on vellum (calf skin) or parchment (sheep or goat skin), with the writing often completed before the illuminator took over to add the gold or silver gilding.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Phillip Teigen in 2014
Processing information:

Processing and finding aid completed by Meghan Glasbrenner from October - November 2023.

Arrangement:

This is a single item collection.

Physical location:
Map case 16.2
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard