The Book of Kells is one of the most famous illuminated manuscripts in the world, renowned for its lavish decoration and intricate artwork. It is an illustrated Gospel book written in Latin, believed to have been created around 800 AD, possibly in a Columban church located in either Iona, Scotland or Kells, Ireland.
The manuscript was produced during the Insular art period, which spanned from the late 6th to the early 9th century. This era is known for its unique blend of Celtic, Germanic, and Christian influences in art, especially in the British Isles. The Book of Kells is often associated with the Monastery of Kells, where it was likely housed for many centuries.
The Book of Kells contains the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. However, it is incomplete, missing the start of Matthew, the end of John, and several pages from other sections. Here are some key features:
The artwork within the Book of Kells is remarkable for:
The Book of Kells has been considered a national treasure of Ireland. It has survived numerous historical events:
Today, the Book of Kells is on permanent display at the Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland. It attracts thousands of visitors annually, and digital facsimiles have been made available to researchers and enthusiasts worldwide.