The book was created about 800 by irish monks in the. For the meaning and interpretation of other manuscript illuminations, see. One artist was possibly responsible for works such as the chirho monogram. The book of kells has a second chi rho abbreviation on folio 124 in the account of the crucifixion of christ, and in some manuscripts the chi rho occurs at the beginning of matthew rather than midtext at matthew 1. Most of this was filmed around the reed marshes at snape, suffolk close to the home of the british c.
Chirho from the book of kells, an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing the four gospels of the new testament, together with various. Most of this was filmed around the reed marshes at snape, suffolk close to the home of the british composer benjamin britten and features. The blank verso of folio 33 faces the single most lavish miniature of the early medieval period, the book of kells chi rho monogram, which serves as incipit for the narrative of the life of christ. Chi rho iota page from the book of kells the large greek letters chi rho iota xpi abbreviate the word christi that starts the latin phrase christi autem generatio from the book of matthew 1.
Eastern influence on the design illuminations symbols of the evangelists monogram page chiro and others legacy other irish illuminated gospel. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin, containing the four. But, further evidence proved that james ussher never had the book of kells in. The chi rho is a symbol made up of the first two greek letters that spell the name of christ. The word made flesh click here for a smaller 72 dpi image as part of our discussion of the book of kells, we will contemplate the famous chi rho page from the book of kells. It was made in ireland, or possibly england, about ad800, by monks belonging to the columban movement. The chi rho page, the book of kells, tcd ms 58, folio 34r. The page is rich in multilayered symbolism intended to engage its monastic audience with a range of eucharistic and christological themes.
Strictly speaking, rather than the book of kells, named after a town in county meath, it should be called the book of iona, as its thought that it was monks on that remote scottish island who. Drk rio arh101 chapter 15 early medieval art in europe. In the book of kells, the carpet page on folio 33r is positioned. The book of kells is often called the most beautiful book in the world. It is an early christian symbol allegedly seen by constantine before his great battle at. Chi rho iota, book of kells how is the initial r from the moralia in job typically romanesque. This is particularly true of the book of kells written about the end of the 8th century. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four christian gospels. The first mention of the book of kells in history was in the monastery records in.
Currently the book of kells is housed at trinity college in dublin ireland and seen by half a million visitors a year. Best of all was the chance to visit the book of kells as many times as i wanted. The ornate letters at the beginning of each section, for instance the chi rho page first. In the book of kells, the chi rho monogram has grown to consume the entire page. What this means is that the illustrations of a book, often a bible or the gospels, are. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin trinity college. It is a translation from latin and dates from the 9th century. One of the most sublime examples of medieval painting ever seen, the monogram chi rho page is the most important page in the late 8thcentury book of kells, arguably the finest of all illuminated manuscripts of the middle ages and famous for the intricate swirling patterns of its celtic art. Book painting, medieval illuminations, books of hours, psalters. The chi rho page in the book of kells is perhaps the most elaborate and enigmatic illumination in the manuscript. Is in him, chirho colour of gold gold for a throne for the light that is blazing from his face colourless white for purity white as snow, the colours flow the mystery of chirho by him all things. A masterpiece of medieval calligraphy and artistry, the book of kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of. The chi rho page folio 34r, introducing matthews account of the nativity. Columbas order of iona, scotland, but exactly where it was made is disputed.