Démodé

historical costume projects & resources

Illuminated Manuscripts on Wikimedia Commons

This could be old news to you, but maybe not!  I recently discovered that Wikimedia Commons has a specific category for illuminated manuscripts by century, which includes TONS of gorgeous manuscript illustrations from the 2nd through the 16th century — and these illustrations are a fabulous source for medieval costuming.

[Edited to add:  Might have been nice if I’d added the link to illuminated manuscripts by century in Wikimedia Commons!]

In particular, I am stunned by the gorgeousness of De Mulieribus Claris, which is from the late 15th or early 16th century.  Here’s a small sampling of images:

3 thoughts on “Illuminated Manuscripts on Wikimedia Commons

  1. I did not know this, so thanks for letting us know. and from what I see at the link for the fashions, most likely from the late 15th century although some of the fashion depicted are from earlier than that. Also some of the images will be iconic, although it doesn’t help having the images and only one name, and not the whole story that the page illuminated to help decide if a garment might be historical or more fantasy/iconic. But it is still wonderful to see these images. Thank you.

  2. Thank you. I have looked over Wikimedia often but wasn’t aware of the illuminated manuscripts. I will have to check this out. They are so rich in color and graphics.

    Smiles,
    Diane

  3. Thanks a bunch for this! As always, your site is wonderful, and you’re a peach!

Leave a Reply to Danielle