Celtic Art Continuing Through Christianity

Paper Summary:

This paper examines and describes the traditional symbols and motifs of Celtic Art and discusses how they were so important in Celtic societies that they survived the conversion to Christianity. These Celtic symbols and motifs can also be found in early Christian Art. This paper also includes illustrations of various Celtic artwork.

From the Paper:

"Often in illuminated manuscripts one finds a Celtic characteristic of placing red dots around initials that reminiscent of the stippling on metalwork . And a textual tradition that is popular even today, known as diminuendo, in which the first letter of a text is large and the rest diminish in size. Illuminated manuscripts kept not only imagery of the Celts but the superstitions in some cases as well. Many illuminated manuscripts were thought to have special powers, and were often used for "talismanic purposes " including healing and hope for victory in battles. Thus the societies of the Celts and Christians were not only blended in art but in religion and culture as well. Keeping their superstitions and respect for nature, the Celts adopted certain aspects and rituals of Christianity. And Christianity in return adopted many Celtic customs and beliefs."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carola, Leslie Oonron ed.. The Irish: a treasury of art and literature. Hugh Lauter Associates, New York. 1993.
• Diringer, David. The Illuminated Book it's history and production. Philosophical Library Inc., New York. 1958.
• Drinkwater, J. F. Celtic Religious Art. The Classical Review, New Ser., Vol. 41, No. 1 (1991), The Classical Association. pp. 126-127.
• Editors of Time-Life Books. The Celts: Europe's People of Iron. Time-Life Books, Alexandria, Virginia. 1994.
• Finlay, Ian. Celtic Art an Introduction. Noyes Press, New Jersey. 1973.

More papers on Celtic Art Continuing Through Christianity:

• Essay # 11523 : "Roman Art & Early Christianity"
• Essay # 73064 : "Contemporary Christian Art"
• Research Paper # 120064 : "Celtic Symbolism and the Incarnation of Christ"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: