Workshop: Historical Illumination Painting Techniques
Step into the world of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. During this two-day workshop you will learn the basics of illumination painting and create your own decorative elements inspired by historic examples.
Illuminating manuscripts was especially popular in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Stylised floral borders, initials and intricate details framed the text and gave it a distinctive visual rhythm. This workshop introduces participants to historical illumination painting techniques and offers hands-on practice in creating a personal piece inspired by 15th-century models.
When: 4–5 February 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday), 4:00–8:00 PM
Where: Willa Decjusza, 28 lipca 1943 17a Street, Kraków
Instructor: Joanna Rościszewska
Who it’s for: anyone interested in historical art, craft and book heritage (no prior experience required)
Two-day programme:
A short introduction to illumination as a historical painting technique.
Examples of how the technique was used in illuminated works.
Practical work: painting in an illuminator’s technique—your own interpretation of a selected initial based on 15th-century patterns. The patterns come from the manuscript “Astronomia” (1478) by Christianus Prolianus (The University of Manchester Library; illuminator: Joachinus de Gigantibus (?)). The manuscript discusses the solar system and eclipses and is illustrated with diagrams and ornamental borders (including birds, animals and flora).
Group presentation of participants’ works.
Wrap-up.
Materials: provided by the organiser.
Registration: required; places are limited: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc168uDgFwOks9H_znEFdC9Bkmu-_XZrHNpz-I1iTkQA6mahA/viewform
About the instructor:
Joanna Rościszewska is a graduate of the Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. She has worked on conservation projects at sites such as Wawel Royal Castle, the Collegiate Church in Wiślica, and the Carmelite Monastery “Na Piasku” in Kraków. From 2002 to 2009 she restored works in the Conservation Studio of the Jagiellonian Library. She has been dedicated to miniature painting since 2009 and has led specialised courses and exhibitions related to illumination.
Organiser: Instytut Kultury Willa Decjusza.
Warsztaty odbywają się w ramach projektu "Historie 360°. 30 lat otwarcia Willi Decjusza” realizowanego dzięki programowi Krajowy Plan Odbudowy dla Kultury.
When: 4–5 February 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday), 4:00–8:00 PM
Where: Willa Decjusza, 28 lipca 1943 17a Street, Kraków
Instructor: Joanna Rościszewska
Who it’s for: anyone interested in historical art, craft and book heritage (no prior experience required)
Two-day programme:
A short introduction to illumination as a historical painting technique.
Examples of how the technique was used in illuminated works.
Practical work: painting in an illuminator’s technique—your own interpretation of a selected initial based on 15th-century patterns. The patterns come from the manuscript “Astronomia” (1478) by Christianus Prolianus (The University of Manchester Library; illuminator: Joachinus de Gigantibus (?)). The manuscript discusses the solar system and eclipses and is illustrated with diagrams and ornamental borders (including birds, animals and flora).
Group presentation of participants’ works.
Wrap-up.
Materials: provided by the organiser.
Registration: required; places are limited: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc168uDgFwOks9H_znEFdC9Bkmu-_XZrHNpz-I1iTkQA6mahA/viewform
About the instructor:
Joanna Rościszewska is a graduate of the Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. She has worked on conservation projects at sites such as Wawel Royal Castle, the Collegiate Church in Wiślica, and the Carmelite Monastery “Na Piasku” in Kraków. From 2002 to 2009 she restored works in the Conservation Studio of the Jagiellonian Library. She has been dedicated to miniature painting since 2009 and has led specialised courses and exhibitions related to illumination.
Organiser: Instytut Kultury Willa Decjusza.
Warsztaty odbywają się w ramach projektu "Historie 360°. 30 lat otwarcia Willi Decjusza” realizowanego dzięki programowi Krajowy Plan Odbudowy dla Kultury.