The Book of Kells
Before selecting The Book of Kells for my ancient manuscript choice in the assignment, I viewed many beautiful and harmonic selections. A Bible from Ethiopia and the Libson Hebrew Bible used bold colors and were ornate and impressive. The Book of Kells however, was the manuscript that most impressed me. This was due to its significance of symmetry, symbolic meaning and pleasing elements of contrast,repetition, alignment and proximity.
The method used to emphasize the importance of the writing was that the initial letter in each gospel is illustrated. A full page is bestowed for the illustration of this word. Bold colors and strokes are used on these pages showing repetition as well as contrast. Repetition is also seen in the numerous Celtic knots and dots used along with the intertwined bodies of animals used to illustrated this ancient manuscript. The lettering is formal and rounded and appears to be similar to calligraphy which gives contrast to the white page and colorful artwork.The alignment of the lettering seems almost measured it looks so perfect. The proximity of the text in relation to the illustration is close enough not to confuse the reader and be pleasing and intriguing to the reader.
The Book of Kells contained mesmerizing design and symbolism. The manuscript was artistic, colorful and pleasing to the eye. The bold colors and ornate design gives one the feeling that the manuscript is distinct and monumental.
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