Symbolism in the Book of Kells: the Chi Rho page

Style and significance of the Chi Rho page in the Book of Kells

Every region where Christianity flourished across the world produced gospels and manuscripts in their own artistic and visual style. The Book of Kells, in this way, was part of a Christian tradition of manuscript production. However, the Chi Rho page reveals one way in which it was unique. It contains examples of almost all the varieties of design to be found in Celtic art, but used within a Christian context.

Pre-Christian, pagan art styles were brought in by the Celts from Europe and dominated the areas of Ireland and northern Britain. When Christianity arrived, it brought new Byzantine, Italian, Coptic, and other artistic influences. The fusion between the two resulted in an artistic style called ‘insular.’

In this way, the Chi Rho page is a pagan-Christian artistic fusion, a material manifestation of colliding influences at the dawn of a newly Christianised Irish society, a pivotal moment in the history of Ireland.

It could be said that it preserves the legacy of a pagan Ireland of feasts and festivals, while also illustrating the very beginnings of a Christianised Irish society which would continue for centuries.

Where can I see the Chi Rho page?

Due to conservation considerations, the pages of the Book of Kells on display change several times a year. This is essential for the preservation of the manuscript in its entirety.

So if the Chi Rho page is not on display during your visit, you can explore the page in digital form through the Library of Trinity College Dublin Digital Collections, where you can zoom right in and appreciate the medieval artistic mastery for yourself. Just search for ‘Folio 34r.’

You can also see a large-scale reproduction of the Chi Rho page at the Old Library as part of the Book of Kells Experience. The page is reproduced on a much greater scale than the original, giving you a great chance to spot some of the intricate details mentioned in this blog.

A window into the past

Think about the impact that the imagery of the Chi Rho page would have had on the early medieval layperson. In the context of the very simplistic lifestyle they would have had, with very little exposure to visual material – the designs of the Chi Rho page would have been nothing less than astounding.

In many ways, this impact has not lessened over the centuries since the manuscript’s heyday. Visitors from all over the world visit the Book of Kells Experience each year, to have their own special moment with the manuscript in the Treasury where it is housed, to appreciate its artistic intricacy and beauty in person.

The Chi Rho remains awe-inspiring, as it has been for over 1,200 years, and draws a strong and lasting connection between our modern world, and that of an early medieval Ireland long before us.