This year, the Book of Kells Creative Competition invites contestants to share art and writing that evoke the beautiful colours featured in the Book of Kells, the 9th century masterpiece renowned for its rich, colourful symbolism. Let’s learn more about the animal symbolism behind the famous book: The Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library […]
from Animal symbolism in the Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is so exquisitely painted that for centuries people have wondered about the source of its vibrant and varied colour palette. Alongside the indigo and azure blue we talked about in our last blog, the colours white, purple and pink also feature heavily in the famous book. Today, people often consider the […]
from The Book of Kells’ colourful past: whites, pinks and purples
Paintings in manuscripts, protected for centuries in bound volumes, are the best-preserved examples of how medieval colours were used. The Book of Kells is one such example, its pages featuring intricate illuminations in shades of blue, white, red, pink, green and yellow. One of the book’s most prominent colours is blue, which features on nearly […]
from The Book of Kells: awash with a sea of blues
It is believed that 3 artists created the Book of Kells and art historians and archaeologists have identified them as the ‘Portrait Painter’, the ‘Illustrator’ and the ‘Goldsmith’. The Portrait Painter was responsible for stunning portraits of Christ, Matthew and John. In folio 32v, seated on a low-backed throne, Christ holds a red-covered Gospel book. […]
from The Portrait Painter, the Illustrator and the Goldsmith
Easter is a special time of the year to marvel at the Book of Kells, since it is full of intricate symbolism referencing the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Animals play a big part in this symbolism, with Christ’s resurrection and immortality being referenced through intricate illustrations of lions, snakes and peacocks. In folio 2v, Jesus […]
from Stunning Easter Symbolism in the Book of Kells
Evidence suggests that there were never any snakes in post-glacial Ireland, however snakes appear prominently throughout ancient Irish mythology. One of the most famous stories about St. Patrick, is that he is responsible for banishing all the snakes in Ireland. Legend has it that he chased them into the sea after they attacked him during […]
from The symbolism of snakes through the centuries
A poem called Pangur Bán, written in the 9th century by an Irish monk about his cat, highlights how cats were kept as pets during the time that the Book of Kells was created. The monks may have kept cats to help preserve the supply of food in the monastery. This practical function is referenced […]
from The role of cats in the Book of Kells
Lions play a key part in the symbolism of the Book of Kells. According to ancient Christian texts, the lion cub was born dead and was watched over by the lioness for three days until its father arrived on the third day and awakened it. This story is believed to be the inspiration for the […]
from The fierce and symbolic lions in the Book of Kells
Peacocks are integral to the decoration in most of the major pages in the Book of Kells. They appear at line endings, on Canon tables and in key positions next to images of Christ. They are thought to represent Christ’s incorruptibility or immortality, due to the ancient belief that peacock flesh does not decay. Get […]
from The stunning use of peacocks in the Book of Kells
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