PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Beautiful Bible

This is an illuminated Bible from Ethiopia.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Illuminated Manuscript - Christ on the Water

In previous centuries, Bible were often sources of fine art as artists (often monks) painted dramatic scenes from the book for the benefit of those who were illiterate in their flock.  This is an example of such an "illuminated" manuscript.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Illuminated Bible

In the day before the printing press, monks copied the Bible by hand.  In doing so, they added flourishes and illustrations that made these books into true works of art.  We called these "Illuminated Bibles."