Illuminated manuscript page. Illuminated manu- script page showing a letter being delivered to a medieval king (at right). The page also features writing and a botanical artwork (at left). During the middle ages, book illumination was considered a high art, with gold leaf being used with paints of animal, plant or mineral origins. The artworks also had a practical purpose, helping to describe events to the illiterate. Mail systems in medieval Europe were restricted to the nobility, the Church & wealthy merchant families. Artwork of King Charles VI of France receiving news of a defeat in Turkey from Sir James de Helly in 1396. Photographed from an 1844 book.