Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Book of Kells


If you have a little free time this weekend and want to celebrate St.Patrick's Day, before you slip round the corner to the pub, check out The Book Of Kells -- now available for viewing on line from Trinity College in Dublin.

This illuminated manuscript, created by Celtic monks around 800, contains the four Gospels. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Western calligraphy and is considered by many to be Ireland's greatest treasure.

The figures of humans and beasts, real and mythical, as well as the intricate lacing of Celtic knots, are a delight. You may want to call out for a supply of green beer, corned beef and cabbage -- there are 677 pages to enjoy.  Wikipedia has more information, of course.
 
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9 comments:

Ms. A said...

Quite a small book... NOT.

Martin said...

A very special treasure, that I will have to make time to look at and enjoy.

Thérèse said...

I do remember seeing facsimile pages at the Getty Museum in L.A.
What a treasure!

Brian Miller said...

nice...its funny i was just talking to a guy yesterday who was explaining the real reasoning behind the holiday ...beyond green beer and leprechaun outfits....looks like a cool book...

KarenB said...

Oh I love that kind of work - incredibly detailed and intricate as well as conveying meaning through symbolism.

Barbara Rogers said...

The work was done before steel nibs were on their quill pens also...and they ground the pigments for the inks. I salute the nameless talented monks who created this art. What a treasure, thanks, Vicki!

Frances said...

Vicki, you've chosen a beautiful shade of green to surround this post.

The Book of Kells is so full of beautiful art. I remember years ago when I tried to learn how to draw those Celtic knots and just about mastered it. All forgotten now.

It's funny that New York's huge St. Patrick's Day parade went up Fifth Avenue today...the 16th. Weather ranged between overcast to light snow to a bit of drizzle. I am sorry to report that I had to work, missing my usual attendance.

Vicki, have you ever been to Ireland? Though I do have some dear friends there, I've never touched that green land myself.

Perhaps some day I will be lucky. xo

Vicki Lane said...

I'm hoping to have time soon to really explore these pages/

Frances -- no, I've never been to Ireland -- in spite of three trips to England. I'd love to...

Darla said...

Wow. This is timely as I've been wanting to get back to calligraphy...