Is it real gold? Many medieval books are decorated or illuminated with gold, so this is the question many people ask: Is it real gold? The answer is yes. Initially a powdered form of gold was used, but in the 12th century a method of laying gold leaf over glue was developed. Gold was beaten out to a very thin layer, which was then glued onto a slightly raised surface in order to catch the light.

This manuscript is a breviary, used for chanting the daily Divine Offices of the Roman Catholic Church. These pages have been singled out for special treatment in gold, silver and colours because they celebrate feasts with particular meaning for Brother Antonio de Macerata, the book’s first owner. 

Breviary. Latin. Italy (Perugia). 1450-1475. Med.Ms G134.

 

This manuscript is a breviary, used for chanting the daily Divine Offices of the Roman Catholic Church. These pages have been singled out for special treatment in gold, silver and colours because they celebrate feasts with particular meaning for Brother Antonio de Macerata, the book’s first owner. 

Breviary. Latin. Italy (Perugia). 1450-1475. Med.Ms G134.

 

This manuscript is a breviary, used for chanting the daily Divine Offices of the Roman Catholic Church. These pages have been singled out for special treatment in gold, silver and colours because they celebrate feasts with particular meaning for Brother Antonio de Macerata, the book’s first owner. 

Breviary. Latin. Italy (Perugia). 1450-1475. Med.Ms G134.