Illustrated Manuscripts: From Devotions to Doodles

Illuminated manuscripts are hand-written devotional books lavishly illuminated with gold and silver ink on top of brightly-colored images. They were produced between c. 500 and c. 1600, with monasteries as their earliest creators. Their subject matter is usually Christian scripture, prayers and lore. Wealthy patrons wanted these illustrative works for personal libraries and encouraged the formation of private workshops that flourished in French and Italian cities. There is also an amusing side of illustrated manuscripts found in the margins, called marginalia: murderous rabbits, menacing snails, naughty nuns. Filled with imagery depicting everything from mythical beasts to humorous depictions of contemporary issues, these delightful illustrations give us a glimpse into the imaginations of the artists who entertained their patrons with them.

Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer and author. She lectures worldwide on art and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world. She has been named a distinguished instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture and decorative arts. She is professor emeritus of art and architectural history at Santa Monica College. She has done graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby's Institute in London and New York.  

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50 years of age and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

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