Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables.
It was created in a Columban monastery in either Britain or Ireland and may have had contributions from various Columban institutions from both Britain and Ireland. It also contains illustrations such as a Virgin and Child and an Arrest of Christ.
It is believed to have been created c. 800 AD. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination.
It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity.
The decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs typical of Insular art. Illustration include Matthew represented by a winged man holding a fan, Mark symbolized by a winged lion, Luke shown as a winged calf and John depicted as a winged eagle perched on a footstool. Figures of humans, animals and mythical beasts, together with Celtic knots and interlacing patterns in vibrant colours, enliven the manuscript's pages. Many of th
It was created in a Columban monastery in either Britain or Ireland and may have had contributions from various Columban institutions from both Britain and Ireland. It also contains illustrations such as a Virgin and Child and an Arrest of Christ.
It is believed to have been created c. 800 AD. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination.
It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity.
The decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs typical of Insular art. Illustration include Matthew represented by a winged man holding a fan, Mark symbolized by a winged lion, Luke shown as a winged calf and John depicted as a winged eagle perched on a footstool. Figures of humans, animals and mythical beasts, together with Celtic knots and interlacing patterns in vibrant colours, enliven the manuscript's pages. Many of th
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