BYU

Harold B. Lee Library

Images of the Nativity from Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated Manuscripts Exhibit
Exhibit hours are 8 am to 9 pm
Monday to Saturday
Except for University Holidays

  • Time: 8:00 AM
  • Date: Dec 1, 2007 to Jan 10, 2008
  • Place: L. Tom Perry Special Collections, 1130 HBLL


About the Event

Before – and even to a limited extent after – the advent of printing with moveable type, scribes producing illuminated manuscripts supplied the reading world’s need for books. ‘Manuscript’ means ‘written by hand’ and ‘illuminated’ refers to the reflection of light from the gilt highlights that often decorated the page. Not only were these books the means of transferring knowledge, they were also outstanding examples of Medieval and Renaissance art.

The L. Tom Perry Special Collections is currently exhibiting facsimiles of these manuscripts that share a common theme: the birth of the Savior. The beauty of these pieces mirrors the devotion and reverence shared by the artist and the viewer of these remarkable images.

On display through the end of the year, we invite you to visit Special Collections, enjoy these depictions of this event, and reflect upon how this singular birth has changed the lives of people around the world and throughout time. Because of the far-reaching effects of the Atonement, it can be said of all of us – as it was of Mary – that we have “found favour with God.”