Book of Kells Part Three

From The Book of Kells
photo via creative commons by Larry Koester

The Tara Brooch
photo via creative commons by Pomax

photo via creative commons by Annie Gormlie

photo via creative commons by fhwrdh

Insular Art is a term that refers to the artistic style of the post Roman British isles. Besides the Book of Kells and other manuscripts, it is found in metalwork and on high crosses. Pictured above is the Derrynaflan Paten. It is dated to the 8th or 9th century. A paten is part of a set used in communion. It's the plate that holds the bread. You can see the detail around the edge. St. Martin's cross (above) on Iona is dated to the 8th century.

The Monymusk Reliquary

At the National Museum of Scotland. photo via creative commons by dun_deagh

As you can see, this insular art shows up in lots of places. It's no wonder that the monks replicated this in the Book of Kells. When you consider that fountain pens had not been invented yet and that there were no electric lights or magnifying glasses, it certainly is a marvel. No wonder it was called the work of angels!