|
CELTIC ART
The Celts are acclaimed for their
remarkable artistic legacy. They left behind a fascinating
portfolio of visual and literary art, and can be credited
with the preservation of culture and literacy in Western
Europe after the fall of Rome. The Celtic influence was
strongest in the British Isles which were spared much of the
cultural collapse of the Dark Ages largely due to the
fact that they were an island nation and isolated from the
rest of Europe.
The Celts produced works of calligraphy and exceptional
hand-decorated books. Among the most
famous Celtic writings are; the Book of Kells,
the Book of Durrow and the Lindisfarne Gospels.
At the time of Charlemagne, the Celts' sophisticated
writing techniques were reintroduced to Europe, leading to a
rebirth of writing and literature and the advent of the
Renaissance.
The art and architecture of the
Celts was diverse and widespread and had long-lasting appeal.
Celtic art and design is still considered attractive today.
It has long been considered one of the first great contributions to European
art as a whole, and was influenced by ancient Etruscan, Persian,
Roman, Scythian and Grecian art, yet still projected a distinct style
and creativity all its own.
|
|
The Celts revered nature and most often depicted entwining plant and
animal designs in bold, geometric patterns. Their artwork
included vines, oak trees, deer, flowers, dolphins, serpents, dogs, boars,
lions, birds and mystical figures such as elves, griffins and
dragons. One thing the Celtics didn't create representations of
was humans, who were strangely absent in the majority of their
artwork. They did, however, include a few Druids from time to time.
The majority of Celtic artwork was abstract, incorporating knot
work, elliptical curves, chevrons, spirals, and
labyrinthine patterns. These designs were composed in a highly
sophisticated style in which the dynamic
elements were harmoniously balanced. There is often mention of
"yin and yang" in early Celtic works because of the balanced aspect
of each piece.
The Celts used their artistic skills to
decorate all manner of objects, including their books, weapons, household
items, religious statues and jewelry. Some of the common themes
depicted were of gods, monsters and mythical creatures.
A popular piece of jewelry during that period included
the torc, which was a metal ring worn on the neck with two open ends
decorated with stylized animal heads. The torc was usually worn by
men and it is believed it may have carried both religious and social
significance in Celtic society.
The most stunning artistic achievement performed by the Celts was the giant Uffington White Horse,
which measures
109m in length and is carved into the chalk Downs in Berkshire, England.
"One must be a work of art,
or wear a work of
art."
Oscar Wilde
|
