Celtic and Anglo-Saxon Painting: Book Illumination in the British Isles 600-800

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Summary: Religious Celtic art
Review: This book features forty eight color plates that are reproduced in high quality paper from original manuscripts from the seventh and centuries. The author, Carl Nordenfalk, provides a historical background and commentry on each of the plates. The author 's style of writing lends itself well to one not overly knowledgeable of the subject matter. The manuscripts are taken from the Gospel Books which were richly ornate, having almost talismanic qualities having been produced in the native art style of the Celts and Anglo- Saxons as the Christian missionaries were proselytizing in the Bristish Isles. Most of the manuscripts come from the Book of Lindisfarne, the Book of Durrow and the Book of Kells. The manuscripts feature portraits of various Christian messengers such as Saint Luke, Saint John, Saint Chad and biblical figures such as King David, Madonna and Christ. There are also pages of the written word from the various gospels shown in the rich decorative style of the Celts. The looping interlocked letters and motiffs are an amazing contribution to civilization that everyone can enjoy from these ancient, partialy intact codex. The symbols and strange animation create symetrical patterns that are highly imaginative and will astound the viewer with it's complex primitivism. The intrinsic beauty and composition is sometimes in stark contrast to the flatness of the figures. You can literally get lost in the patterns, there are endless oblong patterns of scrollwork, tied together by knots, interwoven and intertwined animals stretching out and connecting to fancy letters or other motiffs that will dazzle your senses. This is a great book to gaze upon and reassure yourself of the beautiful beyond that has inspired many centuries of art work. The book also provides a complete list of color and black and white plates and a selected bibliography for future reference. This is a great book to look at anytime, especially in those tranquil moments of peace and reflection. Recommended for anyone interested in book illumination, Christian art and the similarities between Celtic art from this period and Byzantine and Italian art and the inspiration of the Gospel.