Lent, Feb. 24, 2016
This is from one of my very favorite illuminated manuscripts, dating from the eighth century. It is what is called a "carpet page", from the Lindisfarne Gospels. It contains intricate knots, mazes, spirals and zoomorphic images. One of these days I hope to perhaps make a copy of this page.
It's only one page out of all the pages: the Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, all written in a meticulous Celtic uncial script and beautifully illuminated with the same sorts of intricate designs seen on this carpet page.
Historians generally believe it was all the work of one monk, Eadfrith, who took two years to do it all. Imagine the dedication and love of the work it took to do this day after day, and the creativity and devotion that led to such beautiful designs, all of it dedicated to the Creator of All.
Here is a link to a larger and clearer image.
It's only one page out of all the pages: the Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, all written in a meticulous Celtic uncial script and beautifully illuminated with the same sorts of intricate designs seen on this carpet page.
Historians generally believe it was all the work of one monk, Eadfrith, who took two years to do it all. Imagine the dedication and love of the work it took to do this day after day, and the creativity and devotion that led to such beautiful designs, all of it dedicated to the Creator of All.
Here is a link to a larger and clearer image.
