illuminated manuscripts have historically been created

They are listed in order of date of composition. Although there are many fine works, from the beginning of their production onwards, which are considered great works of art, the following are among those considered the greatest.

Some of the most impressive illuminated manuscripts were actually created after Gutenberg's invention and continued to be produced into the 17th century CE.

Gutenberg himself, in fact, never profited from the invention his press was seized for debt shortly after its invention and any profits were made by his patron Johan Fust who perfected Gutenberg's techniques and popularized the printed word. Even though Gutenberg's press made books less costly and more available, it took about 20 years for print books to become a profitable venture. 1440 CE marked the beginning of the end of hand-made, illuminated books, but they remained popular among the wealthy, and some collectors, in fact, disdained printed books and continued to commission hand-made works. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in c. In time, nuns also began producing the manuscripts in their nunneries and, as literacy grew and books became more popular, professional book-makers became involved in order to meet the growing demand. Only people of substantial means were able to afford to commission them. The most popular type of illuminated manuscript was the Book of Hours, which was comprised of Christian prayers to be said at certain hours throughout the day.

Illuminated manuscripts have historically been created