The Art of Devotion in the Middle Ages December 7, 2012

Manuscripts and their illuminations played a central role in fostering and expressing the devotion of Christian faithful during the Middle Ages. As the word of God, biblical phrases were introduced by elaborate initial letters; narrative stories about Christ or the saints were pictured in detailed miniatures; and borders brimming with fantastic scenes focused attention on important texts. Drawn entirely from the Getty Museum's collection, this exhibition looks at manuscripts that not only helped medieval viewers celebrate Christian beliefs but also--with their lavish decoration in precious pigments and gold--served as material testaments to the piety of their owners.