An illuminated manuscript is a book written and decorated completely by hand. Such manuscripts were among the most precious objects in medieval and early Renaissance monasteries and courts. Discover how skilled artists and craftspeople created these beautiful illuminated masterpieces. Created by Getty Museum.

Illuminated manuscripts are books from early medieval times through the Renaissance. Considered major works of art, they were written and decorated by hand with gold, silver, lapis, and other precious materials. Explore several exemplars, including the finest German illuminated manuscript of the 12th century, the Stammheim Missal, as well as other religious and secular works. Created by Getty Museum.

Speakers: Dr. Steven Zucker, Isaac Peterson, Dr. Beth Harris. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

A review of fresco and tempera and the development of the use of oil paint by artists in Venice. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

Quarrying and Carving Marble Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. David Drogin . Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

Mold-blown glass is forced against the inner surfaces of a mold and assumes its shape. Watch this ancient process (footage courtesy of Mark Taylor and David Hill-the Roman Glassmakers). Created by Getty Museum.

Speakers: Dr. David Drogin and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

Since antiquity, gemstones have been engraved using the same methods. Watch the process from start to finish as a gem carver recreates an ancient image. Created by Getty Museum.

Ancient Egyptian mummification preserved the body for the afterlife by removing internal organs and moisture and by wrapping the body with linen. This animation uses the Getty's mummy Herakleides. Created by Getty Museum.