ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS IN THE CONTEXT OF INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN

Abstract

Research Objective. The aim of this scientific article is to investigate and establish correlations between the visual characteristics of medieval illuminated manuscripts and the specificity of modern infographic design. An analysis has been conducted aimed at contextualizing these manuscripts within classical historical periodizations of infographic development, enabling researchers in the field of infographic design to better understand their role and influence in the evolution of visual communication. Research Methods. The methodological approach of this study includes not only abduction, induction, and deduction methods but also detailed art historical and historical analysis, as well as data systematization. This comprehensive approach has been utilized to scientifically justify the main hypothesis of this work regarding the infographic potential of illuminated manuscripts and to further define their place in the historiography of infographic design. Scientific Novelty. Key research achievements of this study include establishing illuminated manuscripts as proto-infographic artifacts that already in antiquity embodied concepts of graphic art, visual encoding of complex information, and artistic representation of graphic narrative. It has been demonstrated that illuminated manuscripts bear significant resemblance to contemporary infographics, despite their origin predating the digital revolution, particularly in terms of synergistic combination of graphical elements and text, story flow, symbolism and iconography, attention to compositional components, and professionalism in visual information encoding. Conclusions. The importance of the connection between illuminated manuscripts and various developmental periods of infographic design has been identified, aiding researchers and graphic designers in better understanding the principles of visual information encoding and other aspects of infographic design. The potential for further research on this topic has been noted, which could contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical-artistic significance of infographic design and the study of the millennia-old heritage of visual communication in civilization.