Images from the Book of Kells

Posted on by M.E. Bond Posted in BooksTagged , ,

The Book of Kells is an intricately decorated manuscript codex of the Latin text of the gospels, created around 800 AD. I thought I’d share some pictures that showcase the various types of illustrations. The headings and images I’ve used are based on The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College Dublin by Bernard Meehan.

The Book and the Cross

Folio 292r, the beginning of St John’s gospel

Angels

Folio 285r, the beginning of Lk 24, with four angels

The Evangelists and Their Symbols

Folio 129v, symbols of the four evangelists

Eucharistic Symbolism

Detail from folio 292r, showing a figure drinking from a chalice

Christ and His Symbols: Fish, Snake and Lion

Folio 130r, the beginning of St Mark’s gospel

The Peacock and the Dove

Detail from folio 32v, portrait of Christ

Human Figures and Activities

Panel of profile faces from folio 7v

Minor Animal Decoration

Detail from folio 48r

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the Book of Kells.

2 thoughts on “Images from the Book of Kells”

  2. Reply
    Shelley says:

    I got to see the Book of Kells – well, at least the pages on display that day – back in 1979; a highlight of that trip to the UK.

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