The Lindisfarne Gospels……and other Illuminated Manuscripts

Made on Holy Island

The work of one monk, Eadfrith

• Bishop of Lindisfarne from 698

• Died in 721, leaving some parts unfinished

• Anonymous: a note added less than 100 years later gives his name

Tells the story of Jesus: the 4 Gospels

Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Roman, Coptic and

Eastern artistic traditions

Eastern/Islamic Style Influences

Celtic Style: The Book of Kells

Irish, about 800• Mythical beasts• Celtic knots

• Made on Holy Island • The work of one monk, Eadfrith, d.721• Combines Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Roman, Coptic

and Eastern artistic traditions• Tells the story of Jesus, in the 4 different

Gospels

Medieval Books of Hours

• Decorated initials with floral/natural decoration

Initial Letters with Illustrations

Decorative Borders

Pictures and Borders

All sorts of styles!

Does it still go on?

Does it still go on?

Does it still go on?

Graffiti artists

Artists use decorated writing

Cartoonists

Cartoon story telling

…can be used for the Bible too!