The ancient manuscripts were fascinating to study, even from such a meager vantage point as my home computer. The Book of Kells is a magnificent example of an illuminated manuscript, and is, in fact, one of my favorite works of art. The opulently decorated plates of this book encompass all four design principles we have studied in this course. Contrast is found in the brilliantly hued inks used: black, red, yellow, and purple colors predominate. Geometric designs and Celtic and Evangelical symbols are repeated throughout the entire book. As evidenced on Plate XII, the illustrations of the Evangelical symbols are perfectly aligned, both vertically and horizontally. Proximity is found in the small illustrations used on nearly every page of the book to illustrate the words of the Gospel written on that page. Although no gold or silver leaf was used, the monks who wrote this to exemplify the magnificence of the Holy Gospel used as many as ten different pigments to achieve the vibrant colors. Many of the pigments had to be imported from as far away as Italy or Africa (Wikipedia).
Sullivan, E. (1920). The Book of Kells. Retrieved from http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/bok/index.htm
Book of Kells. (2012, January 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:14, January 25, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Book_of_Kells&oldid=472096005
