Even in that period, the worth and splendor of the manuscript was clear. It was recovered later on, but not without loss – the gold and jewel adorned cover was not recovered. In the 10th century, the place was repeatedly ransacked by Vikings, and at one point the manuscript was stolen. It could have also been started at Iona and then finished at Kells.īut even at the Abbey of Kells, this magnificent manuscript was not entirely safe. It is possible that it was created in the 8th century at Lindisfarne, and with the onset of Viking raids, was brought to Iona, and from there to Kells. In summary, there are currently several proposed theories as to the origins of this manuscript. As the manuscript spent the longest period of time in this abbey, it was named the Book of Kells.

Quite far from Iona, the abbey was created in the late 8th and early 9th centuries and was most likely a refuge for Iona monks who fled from the Viking raiders, bringing the Book of Kells with them. Kells is a town in County Meath, Ireland, and the place of the Abbey of Kells. Why is this important? Well, the manuscript is not called the Book of Iona, but the Book of Kells. This was the place of the followers of Saint Columba, and if the Book of Kells was created there in the 9th century, it would coincide with the arrival of Vikings and the beginning of their raids. The island is the site of the historic Iona Abbey and was the very center of Gaelic monasticism and the spread of Christianity for roughly three centuries. Most likely it was made on the island of Iona (Scottish: Ì Chaluim Chille ), a small island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. The other scholarly debate relates to the place of its creation. But this tradition is usually dismissed on the basis of the complexity of the art style, which much more realistically belongs in the 9th century. The original, old belief was that the Book of Kells was created during his lifetime, or even by Columba himself. Saint Columba converting King Brude of the Picts to Christianity. He was an Irish missionary who is credited with successfully spreading Christianity among pagan Gaels and the Picts. Irish - Colm Cille - “church dove”) died long before the 9th century, in 597 AD. Now, the gospel itself is often brought into connection with Saint Columba, as being created by Columban monks, i.e. On the basis of the fully developed insular art style that encompasses all the features from the previous centuries, most scholars place the Book of Kells into the 9th century. The exact origin and creation period of the Book of Kells is still largely debated, with several main versions existing. It is characterized by iconic features of Irish art which is today a chief part of Celtic Christianity, and its main features are truly stunning and complex knotwork interlace designs, La Tène Celtic art elements such as spirals, triskelions, knots, and symbols, Saxon animal motifs, and so on.Īll of these elements of insular art are perfectly combined in the Book of Kells, making it a crowning representative of the style. Also known as Hiberno Saxon art, it flourished from 6th to 9th century AD. Insular art refers to the unique form of art that originated on the islands of Ireland and Britain, and its name comes from Latin insula (island). It is also the chief representation of the so called insular art style, and also its culmination. Its reputation precedes it, and rightly so, as this is, to date, one of the finest and intricate pieces of illuminated gospels that we know of today. When we consider early Christian art and illuminated gospels, there is hardly anyone who has not heard about the famed Book of Kells. Join us! Born From the Spirit: The Early Origins of the Book of Kells Today we are bringing you the history of this marvelous art piece and getting you closer to the origins of Christianity in Ireland and the identity of the Gaelic nations. And the result is truly stunning.ĭating from the 9th century AD, the manuscript luckily survived to the present day largely unscathed, and it withstood the wheel of time. Adorned with intricate details and a dazzling array of colors, this manuscript really shows the result of Christian tradition mixing with the art of the Gaels. And one such piece of art is the iconic and famed Book of Kells.Ī historic heritage of early Christianity in Ireland, this magnificently illustrated gospel book is a clear glimpse into the unique art style and identity of the Gaelic peoples. From early frescoes, to illuminated manuscripts, magnificent churches and abbeys, Christian art knew no bounds.

Over the centuries, from its earliest beginnings, Christianity was the inspiration for some truly stunning art.

Book of kells definition