Leabhar Cheanannais – Book of Kells
Ireland’s finest national treasure
This famous Book of Kells, well-known as Leabhar Cheanannais is superior as a World cultural heritage („World documents heritage“) since the year of 2011.
Sometimes known as the Book of Columba. Exposed in Dublin at Trinity College Library.
The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin. It contains the four Gospels of the New Testament of the Christian Bibel. Moreover it comprised variously and prefatory texts and tables.
It is assumed that the manuscript has been created circa 800. The Leabhar Cheanannais was brought into being in a Columban monastery in Ireland. Some suppose that the Book of Kells has had contributions from various Columban institutions from both Ireland and as well from Britain.
The text of the Gospels includes several passages drawn from the early versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. But the most of the texts is largely drawn from the Vulgate.
The Vulgate is a late fourth-century Latin translation of the Bible. The primary publication was in the year of 382 and the author is Hieronymus well-known as Jerome. „Sophronius Eusebius Hieronymus“ was the church father, hallow, savant and as well theologian of the Old Church.
The Book of Kells is a real masterwork of Western calligarphy. Furthermore we have to say that it represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. So we have to say and it is widely recognised that the Leabhar Cheanannais is the finest national treasure of the whole island Ireland.
If you will pardon my saying so it`s save to say these illustrations and ornamentation of the Leabhar Cheanannais surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in complexity and extravagance. These fancy decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with the typical insular art of ornate swirling motifs.
So we can see Celtic knots as well as figures of mythical beasts, animals and humans.
The interlacing patterns in vibrant colours enliven all pages of this amazing manuscript.
A lot of these fascinate minor decorative elements are imbued with Christian symbolism. These Chrsitian symbolism emphasise the themes of the major illustrations.
Worthy of mention is at this point that the lettering is in iron gall ink. All the colours used were derived from a wide range of subtances. Moreover it is assumed that these colours are imports from distant lands.
More than twice as much there should be said at this time! – But what can I say?
I allow me to say: Please go and visit in person the Book of Kells in Dublin at Trinity College Library – it is worthwhile -! And, to say the truth, there is a lot more to know and to immerge.
For your kind information it is an inherent part of all journeys with Lady Susan`s challenges to visit Trinity College and of course The Leabhar Cheanannais this witness of history and culture of the mystical island Ireland.
Thank you for your concentration and your escort to our ancestors.
Yours Lady Susan