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Kells

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Kells
Book of Kells The Book of Kells is a stunningly beautiful manuscript containing the Four Gospels. It is Ireland's most precious medieval artifact, and is generally considered the one finest surviving illuminated manuscripts to have been produced in medieval Europe.
Hailed by many scholars as the most beautiful book in the world, the Book of Kells is an incredibly extravagant, illustrated, religious manuscript produced by Celtic monks. It’s pages not only contain the four Gospels, but also accompanied by prefaces, summaries, canon tables and full page masterfully crafted illustrations. A very large and extravagant religious manuscript, such as the Book of Kells, would have only been used for special readings. The manuscript is now preserved and on permanent display at the Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland
The elaborate illustrations in the Book of Kells are seen on every page with the exception of two. Throughout the text there are decorated initials, small animals and human forms often twisted into very elaborate knot work. The intricate knot work and associated interweaving designs found in the Book of Kells are also found in the metalwork and stone carvings of the period. The elaborate Celtic artwork found in the Book of Kells, other similar religious manuscripts, as well as the metal and stone illustrations found in this period, are indeed very evident in today's society. We need only look at the jewelry and tattoo industries. There are literally thousands of Celtic inspired designs showcased in these mediums. There were many images that were very astounding a very intricately done, but the image that stood out to me was folio 114r. I chose this image not only because of the detail that was used in creating this elaborate picture but also because of all of the color. This image reminds me of or makes me think of the holy trinity, with God in the middle the son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

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