The story of what constitutes a miniature, you can start with the memories of learned Latin. The term miniature dates back to the word from the Latin minium – which means red paint (cinnabar, minium), which was used in the old days, making out handwritten books when decorating them with headpieces and illustrations. These elements were made with gouache, watercolors, and also used gold leaf. The miniature in books acquired great popularity in the countries of Western Europe and in the Byzantine Empire during the Middle Ages. Continue reading →