The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells
Whittle Professor Jill Anderson ART 111 SEC 01: A History of Art I November 18, 2010 The Book of Kells 1. What is The Book of Kells, where was it made, and who was responsible for its creation? The Book of Kells is an evangelarium (Book of the Gospels) made by the Benedictine Monks of St. Columban in Iona. Abbott Columban died in 747, and the book was made thereafter. This book-treasure was discovered in Kells (a town 40 miles from Dublin) in the 17th century. 2. Describe the link between Celtic metalwork and the decoration in The Book of Kells. There is circular symmetry and curves on metal made from clay moulds from Ireland and Scotland. Craftsmanship was based on Germanic and pagan traditions and quite sophisticated. 3. How were the intricate interlace patterns of The Book of Kells made? The instruments used were compasses, rulers, and dividers. 4. Describe the influence of other cultures on The Book of Kells. This book was influenced by the Egyptian sun god, the Coptics of St. Anthony the Abbott, St. Paul the Apostle, the Byzantine Empire, the Mediterranean artistic styles, and the Apocalypse of St. John the Evangelist. 5. Describe the use of illustrations of creatures within the labyrinthine designs in The Book of Kells and their religious significance. Snakes symbolize the expulsion and preying of the devil. Animals (creatures) were used to symbolize Gods first six days creating the earth. 6. What were the sources for the different colored inks used in The Book of Kells? The gold was configured by a French goldsmith and portrait painter. The vellum and oak cappa were imported from the Himalayas. Organic greened skin holly and beetles were also used.
Whittle 2 7. How did the artists of The Book of Kells represent their own communities; and describe how they incorporated humor, art, and fun into their representation. The words, in Latin, are coded and hidden in the designs. The lives of the monks were expressed, including making fun of drinking. 8. Why is The Book of Kells still studied today? This artifact is studied today because it is the most important Irish manuscript ever discovered.