Painted manuscripts are delicate and fascinating works of art that allow us to travel back in time to the medieval era and reveal the richness and beauty of the culture during that period. These manuscripts are illuminated volumes, crafted with skill and attention to detail, where the text is accompanied by meticulously painted images. They are considered true treasures of cultural and artistic heritage.

One of the remarkable aspects of painted manuscripts is the artistic quality and technical skills of the illuminators. These anonymous and talented artists created illustrations with a variety of themes, such as biblical scenes, portraits, nature, animals, and decorative symbols. Their paintings were executed with great expertise, using vibrant colors, gold, and silver, bringing the pages of the manuscript to life.

Each painted manuscript is unique, showcasing the style and specific characteristics of the era and region in which it was created. In addition to their aesthetic beauty, painted manuscripts hold invaluable historical and cultural value. They offer a glimpse into the medieval world, its beliefs, values, and traditions. Through them, we can better understand the historical and religious context of the era and appreciate the evolution of the art and techniques of manuscript illumination.

One of the most impressive features of these manuscripts is the use of gold leaf in their decoration. Gold was considered a divine and precious material, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and transcendence. By incorporating gold into the illustrations and initials, these manuscripts achieved remarkable radiance and opulence, elevating them beyond mere written text.

The application of gold leaf was a meticulous process that required great skill and patience. Gold was beaten into extremely thin sheets and then carefully applied to the surface of the manuscript. Illuminators employed various techniques to enhance the brilliance of the gold, such as burnishing, which involved rubbing the gold with a polished stone to create a reflective surface. The result was a dazzling interplay of light and color that brought the pages to life.

Gold leaf was commonly used to highlight important elements of the manuscript, such as initials, borders, and miniature paintings. These delightful ornaments served both aesthetic and symbolic purposes.

Painted manuscripts serve as a source of inspiration for contemporary artists, who draw elements and motifs from these medieval works in their modern creations.

On Saturday, June 24, 2024, the Golești Museum invites you to the opening of the National Exhibition of Medieval Manuscript Miniatures, where you can discover and admire works created by students from the Department of Sacred Art and Icon Restoration, Mural Painting, and Easel Painting at the Faculty of Theology, Letters, History, and Arts, University of Pitești, students from the University of Craiova, and students from the “Dinu Lipatti” High School of Art in Pitești.

Coordinators: Dr. Teodora Necula – Associate Professor at the University of Pitești, Dr. Emilia Burlan – Associate Professor at the University of Craiova, and Professor Laurențiu Baltă.

During the event, violinist Sofia Butaru will perform a mini-recital.