The proportions of this form, according to sacred geometry and christian number theory, have their own significance beyond that of the squared circle. Chirho page from the gospel of saint matthew, book of kells, c. This official guide by the former keeper of manuscripts at the library of trinity college, dublin, where the book of kells is on permanent display, provides fascinating insights into one of the greatest surviving examples of medieval art. The letters chi, rho and i are an abbreviation of christ. Meehan 1994 notes that the decorative illuminations, including those displaying symbolism, were used by the monks as a medium to convey the image of christianity. Iona, the vikings and the making of the book of kells published in features, issue 3 mayjune20, medieval history pre1500, vikings, volume 21 it has been suggested that this chirho initial, with its dazzling range of colour and intricate patterns, would have taken months, perhaps even a. The book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages. One of the most sublime examples of medieval painting ever seen, the monogram chirho page is the most important page in the late 8thcentury book of kells. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels, created around 800 a. Our artisans have respectfully woven a wall tapestry interpretation of this centuries old skill, conveying an old world, celtic feel with rich browns, and deep coppery tones.
The chi rho symbol, from the the book of kells, gospel of saint matthew is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing the four gospels of the new testament illuminated chirho page of the book of kells about richly illuminated manuscript on parchment, dimensions. Correctly identifies the culture of the manuscript page, but there is no analysis of. The world of the book of kells, in ireland and early europe. Both letters are divided into compartment which are lavishly decorated with knot work and other patterns. Named after monastery in southern ireland that owned it. The chi rho page in the book of kells is perhaps the most elaborate. The chi rho page folio 34r, introducing matthews account of the nativity, is the single most famous page in medieval art. The blank verso of folio 33 faces the single most lavish miniature of the early medieval period, the book of kells chi rho monogram, which serves as incipit for the narrative of the life of christ. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin trinity college. This page opens account of jesus in gospels of saint matthew. X marks the spot the monogram of christ early irish. Book of kells contains 4 biblical accounts of christs life 4. Carolingian the carolingian period refers to the time during the reign of charlemagne who was crowned king of the franks in 768 and then the emperor of rome in 800. Chi rho iota, the book of kells ox gall inks and pigment on vellum, 8th9ths century, iona, scotland one of the pages in this noteworthy illuminated manuscript, commonly known as the book of kells, depicts the ancient roman symbol.
The letter rho is snuggled underneath the arms of the chi. The page is rich in multilayered symbolism intended to engage its monastic audience with a range of eucharistic and christological themes. Ornamental celebration of christs initial mention in text 3. The book of kells is a famous 8th century insular gospel book, now in the trinity college library in dublin. The chirho is one of the earliest forms of christian symbols, formed by superimposing the first two capital letters of chi and rho, or x and p, from the greek word for christ. The book of kells arrest of christ, insular monks, on vellum, c. The carpet page of the book of kells is set within a 4 x 3 rectangle.
It was created by celtic monks some time around 800 ad. The book of kells was written on a type of parchment called vellum made from calfskin. Nov 17, 2019 the book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages. The book of kells, one of great treasures of medieval europe, is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing four gospels of new testament matthew, mark, luke and john together with various prefatory texts and tables. The word made flesh click here for a smaller 72 dpi image as part of our discussion of the book of kells, we will contemplate the famous chi rho page from the book of kells. First, i should indicate that the book of kells is also called the book of columba, which presupposes that there was a columba. The chi rho page consists of the greek letters chi and rho that were used in medieval times to abbreviate the word christ. The letter chi dominates the page with one arm swooping across the majority of the page.
Jun 15, 2016 x marks the spot the monogram of christ june 15, 2016 the library of trinity college dublin one of the most spectacular displays of ornamented text in early irish manuscripts is the chirho page in the book of kells fig. This particular symbol is from the book of kells, made in an irish monastery. Among these unprecedented rich illuminations the chi rho. The site for celtic studies, and the medieval celtic studies blog scela. Sometime between 807 and 814, in the wake of a series of devastating raids.
Then the hair and remaining tissue are removed and the skin is stretched across a wooden frame. X marks the spot the monogram of christ june 15, 2016 the library of trinity college dublin one of the most spectacular displays of ornamented text in early irish manuscripts is the chirho page in the book of kells fig. The book of kells was probably made at the monastery of iona at the end of the eighth. The letters xpi are the greek abbreviation for the word christi or christ. Vellum is a smooth, fine parchment made originally form calf skin. Jan 02, 2014 trinity college dublin ms 58 the book of kells f. One such example of an isolated description can be found in a recent edition of gardners art through the ages, which discusses the chirhoiota xpi page, folio 34 recto of the book of kells c. The book of kells contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin translation. Two words autem abbreviated as h and generation lower right. Apr 19, 20 the book of kells, one of great treasures of medieval europe, is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing four gospels of new testament matthew, mark, luke and john together with various prefatory texts and tables. The book of kells, also known as the book of columba, is an ornately illustrated manuscript gospel that was produced around 800 by celtic monks. The images and icons in this book of gospels are christian.
All art forms and works have many formal design elements and principles. The chi rho iota page from the book of kells was made in iona, scotland in the late 8th and early 9th century. This page occurs in many other insular manuscripts, but they cannot compare to the intricate decoration of the book of kells. Before the use of paper and the invention of printing in the fifteenth century, books. There is representational art, and there is nonrepresentational art, and theres also a sort of middle ground between these poles, and thats about it. A great deal of symbolism can be found in the book of kells bok.
Throughout the book of kells, there are very few names that are abbreviated. Analysis of monogram page chi rho one of the most sublime examples of medieval painting ever seen, the monogram chi rho page is the most important page in the late 8thcentury book of kells, arguably the finest of all illuminated manuscripts of the middle ages and famous for the intricate swirling patterns of its celtic art. Initial letters of christ in greek xpi chirhoiota, nearly all page. The chi rho page in the book of kells by suzanne lewis the book of kells was probably made at the monastery of iona at the end of the eighth century.
Matthews account of the nativity 3 the page is illustrated with images of animals and people. The chi rho iota page from the famous hiberno saxon. Heres a closeup of the socalled chirho page from the book of kells. The book of kells, dating from about 800 ce, is a beautifully decorated manuscript of the four gospels. He is forever throwing in wilful little detailssprigs of wild flowers, eccentric dots and diamonds. The chi rho page is considered the most famous page in medieval art and. Trinity college library, dublin that is a masterpiece of the ornate hibernosaxon style. Jun 01, 2017 the chi rho page in the book of kells is perhaps the most elaborate and enigmatic illumination in the manuscript.
Strictly speaking, rather than the book of kells, named after a town in county meath, it should be called the book of iona, as its thought that it was monks on that remote scottish island who. Sometime between 807 and 814, in the wake of a series of devastating raids on the island sanctuary, the giant gospel of columkille. It is an early medieval manuscript that contains four different biblical accounts, matthew, john, luke, and mark, about christs life and it helps show christ presence at the altar for all to see cothren 441. Chi rho is one of the oldest examples of this art form. One such example of an isolated description can be found in a recent edition of gardners art through the ages, which discusses the chirhoiota xpi page, folio. The chi rho page in the book of kells is perhaps the most elaborate and enigmatic illumination in the manuscript. Examination of the book of kells using microraman spectroscopy 19 m. The book of kells and the chirho page by lisa spangenberg december 25, 2010 april 28, 2017 medieval manuscripts thanks to the lovely film the secret of kells, large numbers of people who have never taken an art history class or studied paleography now know about the book of kells. Book of kells greatest achievement in hibernosaxon art. Book of kells illumination of the chi rho page is that perfect piece that matches your style, interests, and. It is probable that the illumination was begun in the late 8th century at the irish monastery on the scottish island of iona and that after a viking raid the.
Decorate your home or office with high quality posters. This page has become known as the chirho monogram page. The book of kells seldom comes to view in the historical record. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin. The examination of the book of kells using microraman. In the book of kells, the chi rho monogram has grown to consume the entire page. Irelands book of kells is considered to be one of the greatest examples of an. This intricate artwork depicts the christian symbol of the chirho. The chi rho iota page form the book of kells as well, has many. The annals of ulster, describing it as the chief treasure of the western world, record that it was stolen in 1006 for its ornamental cumdach shrine. The book of kells represents the high point of manuscript gospels produced in prenorman britain. The text on the page not entirely visible in this detail reads xpi autem generatio and is the incipit of the gospel according to st.
The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing the four. His is certainly the greatest page of the book of kells, the fabulous chi rho page so called after the greek initial letters of christs name. A christogram is a monogram or combination of letters that forms an abbreviation for the name of jesus christ, traditionally used as a christian symbol. The chirhoiota page from the famous hibernosaxon manuscript, book of kells, corresponds with the text from matthews gospel and story of the birth of jesus christ. Macavoy the book of kells is an illuminated manuscript from the eighth century. It is currently located at trinity college in dublin, ireland. The book of kells trinity college dublin ms 58 contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin translation. When it is the most beautiful page of the most beautiful book in history, i think so. I am forwarding a little more information on the book of kells. The book of kells and the chi rho page by lisa spangenberg december 25, 2010 april 28, 2017 medieval manuscripts thanks to the lovely film the secret of kells, large numbers of people who have never taken an art history class or studied paleography now know about the book of kells. Book of kells chi rho illumination of ancient christogram. The page precedes the nativity story as related by st matthew. Iona, the vikings and the making of the book of kells published in features, issue 3 mayjune20, medieval history pre1500, vikings, volume 21 it has been suggested that this chi rho initial, with its dazzling range of colour and intricate patterns, would have taken months, perhaps even a year, to complete. Iona, the vikings and the making of the book of kells.