Celtic Design

Styles through the Era.

Hallstatt - Tribal Geometric in design consisting of repeated patterns. Through this repetition the design seems more complex and complicated.










La Tene - Developed into spiral and leaf shape designs also animal and human faces may appear depending on the view point










Knot work Interlace - The most famous Celtic design. This design looks like a woven strips that weave into each other. Generally made up of 1 continuous strip










Spirals - Sometimes called Triskelion where a center point would have 3 swirls emerging from it. May be found as double, triple or quadruple swirls.










Zoomorphics - The practice of implementing animals in thee design.  The animals are twisted and fused into the design leaving claws tails as the only loos ends .. each animal had its own meaning.









Maze and Step Patterns -  A Geometric form of spirals looking closely it forms a maze like pattern . in my opinion it resembles the Greeks.









People - People were also depicted in Celtic designs the extremities such as hair and limbs are fused into the knot work designs.

Zoomorphic animal meanings:

Hounds - loyalty
Lions - nobility, strength
Snakes - rebirth (Dragon or serpent designs may be interpreted the same as snakes)
Birds - purity (peacocks) or nobility (eagles)
Salmon - knowledge
Bull - strength
Boar - ferocity, strength

Sources : 

Aon Celtic Art. 2013. Aon Celtic Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.aon-celtic.com/trade_history_meanings.html. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Celtic Revival

Introduction

Gaul god Sucellus

Celtic culture and art was being forgotten in time only to be found in Scotland and Ireland during the 19th century. Then Celtic art had an interesting surge in popularity. People started to discover more, started to practice the traditions and seeking to learn and understand the Celtic art. Some called it the Celtic renaissance.

What was the cause 

The growing of Irish nationalism  where the Irish where being suppressed and a form of political rebellion was to revive the ancient ways  being their historical past, myths, legends, and folklore

George Petrie

The Irish antiquarian movement also played part led by George Petrie where they started to acquire many manuscripts, metalwork, artworks  such as the Ardagh Chalice














Literary movement led by WB Yeats accompanied by Lady Gregory and Edwward Martyn Yeats formed an Irish literary Theater ( the Abbey Theater ) to promote Irish literature. Works developed where Playboy of the Western world (1907) and The Plough and the Stars among others.

J.M. Synge

"First produced in 1907, this play sent shock waves through the dramatic world, pushing the limits of decency and stoking an already red-hot nationalistic fire. Though met with near instant rioting and controversy, it is now considered a masterpiece of poetic drama."

The script can be found here : http://www.bartleby.com/1010/

Discoveries at Hallstatt in Australia and La Tene in Switzerland sparked further interest among the European Cultures and Celtic Cultures.

Revival in Fine Arts

James Barry Self Portrait

Artists such as James Barry showed Irish history as a part of their paintings to show and give off  a sense of Irish Identity. The young Ireland movement tried to use Contemporary Irtish art to again make a point in politics, this was transmitted through newspaper The Nation listed historical subjects for artists to use on their canvas. This influenced many painters. In the 20th century, it took a different turn it stopped conveying political messages and focused on medium and art itself.

This image shows the point of Irish myths being Irish Identity.

James Barry (Irish, 1741-1806), The Education of Achilles, c.1772, Yale Center for British Art, Connecticut

Other James Barry Works: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/artists/james-barry/paintings/slideshow#/12

Sources:

Blueboy's Journey with Art. 2013. Blueboy's Journey with Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://thisblueboy.tumblr.com/post/36922184880/james-barry-irish-1741-1806-the-education-of. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

File:Gaul god Sucellus.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013.File:Gaul god Sucellus.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gaul_god_Sucellus.jpg. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Synge, J.M. 1911. The Playboy of the Western World. 2013. Synge, J.M. 1911. The Playboy of the Western World. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.bartleby.com/1010/. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Celtic Arts Revival Movement: Irish Art/Crafts, Nineteenth Century. 2013.Celtic Arts Revival Movement: Irish Art/Crafts, Nineteenth Century. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/cultural-history-of-ireland/celtic-art-revival-movement.htm. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Fine Arts in the Celtic Revival. 2013. Fine Arts in the Celtic Revival. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.victorianweb.org/art/design/celtic/ringel10.html. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Celtic Eras (Early Middle ages /Insular)

"Celtic Art In The Early Middle Ages"

"Celtic art in the Middle Ages was practiced by the Celtic speaking people of Ireland and Britain in the 800 year period from the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century, to the establishment of Romanesque art in the 12th century."

Celtic tribes in Britain and Ireland

Largely in Ireland where Celtic  heritage was unbroken  living through the time where Romans where in control of Britain  the Romans never managed to get to Ireland in the 7th and 8th centuries This art mixed with Germanic traditions utilizing missionary contacts with the  Anglo- Saxons. At the end of the era Vikings added Scandinavian influences.

These Celtic missionaries traveled to Britain and with them the carried the tradition of manuscript illumination which in turn combined with the Anglo-Saxon metalworking knowledge. From then this art was carried back to Ireland  and they started calling it insular.

Carpet Page of the Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 698-721 CE

Due to Viking trading and raiding  silver became popular use as a medium in the 9th and 19th century, whit this broaches of exquisite quality and craftsmanship where created in Ireland.  Also in this time manuscripts where being less produces .Sculptures began to be more prominent such as the high cross, This reached its best in the 10th century and has left examples such as the Muiredach's Cross.

Muiredach's High Cross

Tara Brooch 

The influence of the vikings on Irish art was seen in the late 11th century when metal works began to imitate  Scandinavian styles.

Sources:

Celtic art - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013. Celtic art - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_art#Celtic_revival. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

A History Of Celtic Art - Celtic Art Facts And Information. 2013. A History Of Celtic Art - Celtic Art Facts And Information. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.celticjeweler.plazadiscounts.com/page2.html. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

lindisfarne gospels | Tumblr. 2013. lindisfarne gospels | Tumblr. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/lindisfarne%20gospels. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Muiredach's High Cross - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013.Muiredach's High Cross - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muiredach's_High_Cross. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Celtic Eras ( Hallstatt , La Tene )

Hallstatt

Timespan: 1200 BC - 475 BC

"Hallstatt culture is characterised in 4 stages, according to James(2005: 21): A & B late Bronze Age, from c 1200 to 700 BC; C Early Iron Age, from c700-600 BC; D from c 600 to 475 BC"

This culture lived throughout central Europe its center being an area around Hallstatt in Central Austria. During the beginning of the period trade had already been established . They had access to tin and copper (the base materials of copper) also had access to salt which was used to preserve food. These helped the culture to grow and prosper from the beginning. In 800 BC during burial excavations wheeled wagons and iron swords were found.

Hallstatt burial site, a collection of 19th century watercolours. Page with names of the persons present at the discovery of the site.

In 700-600 BC fortified settlements were founded in the north of the Alps. Burial mounds were found in these settlements containing expensive items at the time such as vehicles and imported treasures.

During the last period Hallstatt burial grounds were closer on more major hill forts in the southwest region . this implies that there was that wealth and social power was focused on this area.

Hallstatt Findings

Celtic German Craftsmanship

Hallstatt amber necklace

Golden neck ring from Uttendorf, Hallstatt culture, ca. 550 BC.

Bronze Tool

Hallstatt Designs

Gives of the primitive feeling as it cotains a great deal of geometric design. Built on maze like design and repeated patterns

Sources:

Aon Celtic Art. 2013. Aon Celtic Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.aon-celtic.com/trade_history_meanings.html. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

File:Linz Schlossmuseum - Uttendorf Halsreifen.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013. File:Linz Schlossmuseum - Uttendorf Halsreifen.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Linz_Schlossmuseum_-_Uttendorf_Halsreifen.jpg. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Lessing Photo Archive - Hallstatt burial site, a collection of 19th . 2013.Lessing Photo Archive - Hallstatt burial site, a collection of 19th . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.lessing-photo.com/dispimg.asp?i=070101+3+&cr=79&cl=1. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

How old is English?. 2013. How old is English?. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.proto-english.org/l41.html. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

The Iron Age in Europe. 2013. The Iron Age in Europe. [ONLINE] Available at: http://archaeology.about.com/b/2011/03/20/the-iron-age-in-europe.htm. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Tours: The World of Ancient Art. 2013. Tours: The World of Ancient Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.waa.ox.ac.uk/XDB/tours/europe3.asp. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Celts - Hallstatt and La Tene cultures. 2013. Celts - Hallstatt and La Tene cultures. [ONLINE] Available at: http://celts.etrusia.co.uk/celtic_cultures.php. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

La Tene

Timespan: C 500 BC To C 15 BC

During this period the Celts started to venture out of their borders, expanding and migrating. Named after the location in which they were first discovered being a site in  Switzerland. 

"France to Bohemia, the La Tene culture spread rapidly from about 400 BC. The La Tene Celts settled in Spain in 450 BC, in Northern Italy in 400 BC, invaded Rome in 390 BC, invaded Greece in 279 BC, invaded Galatia (in modern Turkey) in 270 BC. By 200 BC, they occupied the lands that are now Britain, the Netherlands, Brittany, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland."

This period was more focused on military might rather than cultural expansion. Weapons and armor were as commonly found as the jeweler and other everyday items.

La Tene Findings

Strettweg Cart

A 1st century BCE mirror found in Desborough , Northants, showing the spiral and trumpet theme.

Witham Shield

Turoe Stone

La Tene Design

 A Grate amount of spirals and leaf shaped design implemented in the work. Extreamly organic and animals and faces could appear depending on the view point.

Sources: 

Aon Celtic Art. 2013. Aon Celtic Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.aon-celtic.com/trade_history_meanings.html. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Celts - Hallstatt and La Tene cultures. 2013. Celts - Hallstatt and La Tene cultures. [ONLINE] Available at: http://celts.etrusia.co.uk/celtic_cultures.php. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Tours: The World of Ancient Art. 2013. Tours: The World of Ancient Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.waa.ox.ac.uk/XDB/tours/europe3.asp. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

La Tène culture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013. La Tène culture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_T%C3%A8ne_culture. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

“Strettweg Cart” (7th century BCE), found in... - Fuck Yeah Vikings & Celts!. 2013. “Strettweg Cart” (7th century BCE), found in... - Fuck Yeah Vikings & Celts!. [ONLINE] Available at:http://fuckyeahvikingsandcelts.tumblr.com/post/14657877699/strettweg-cart-7th-century-bce-found-in. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Battlefield chic: the Witham Shield | Art and design | guardian.co.uk . 2013.Battlefield chic: the Witham Shield | Art and design | guardian.co.uk . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/picture/2012/jul/19/witham-shield-story-of-british-art. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Turoe Stone, Co. Galway, Ireland. 2013. Turoe Stone, Co. Galway, Ireland. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/turoe/. [Accessed 18 May 2013].

Celtic Book Art (Manuscripts)

Meaning

"A manuscript is any document written by hand" a manuscript does not include a document which is printed or reproduced in any other way. Pre-technology there was no way of creating/reproducing books thus all form of bound writing was called a manuscript.

"Manuscripts are not defined by their contexts" they may contain all sorts of information such as explanatory figures, illustrations and writing, Illuminated manuscripts are further decorated with pictures, border decorations, embossed letters or full-page illustrations.

Celtic Manuscripts

Book of Kells, Folio 292r, Incipit to John.
In principio erat verbum.

The Book of  Kells

Introduction 

Considered to be one of the best examples of Celtic art. Known for the amazing quality of the decoration, designs and visionary concepts. Also known worldwide as being the greatest illuminated manuscript referred to as the "Work of Angels". consisting of the four gospels of the new testament which depict the life of Christ. This manuscript is incomplete though normal for the time it was created . Thought to have more than on scribe in the creation . 

History

Shrouded in mystery, this book is author and date less as the important final page had been lost, this page held such detail's. Widely believed to be dated around 800 AD and was started at a monastery on the Scottish island of Lona founded by St Columba. 

Materials

Various materials were used to create the manuscript. Calf-skins for the folios, goose eggs the bind the pigments, cow horns for pots and feathers for quills. Previous manuscripts held only a narrow colour range, on the contrary the book of Kells displays a wide range of colours such as purple, lilac, red, pink, green, and yellow being the colours most often used. Great care was taken in the creation of this book as some of these colours were hard to come by and even harder to produce.

Book Contents 

Inside are pages of about 13½ by 9½ inches in size. The pages are embossed with traditional Celtic knots and interlacing patterns utilizing vibrant colours. Nature is displayed greatly as pictures of animals are fused together with the designs or running between the lines .

More pictures of the book of Kells : http://www.tcd.ie/History_of_Art/assets/pdf/pg/irish-art/4%20The%20Book%20Of%20Kells.pdf

Other Manuscripts

The Cathach of Saint Columba (560-630 AD)

The Book of Durrow (ca. 650)

Sources:

Manuscript - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013. Manuscript - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuscript. [Accessed 17 May 2013].

The Book of Kells - a treasure of world art. 2013. The Book of Kells - a treasure of world art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.celticquill.com/the-book-of-kells/27-book-of-kells. [Accessed 17 May 2013].

Medieval Celtic Manuscripts. 2013. Medieval Celtic Manuscripts. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.maryjones.us/jce/appendix06.html. [Accessed 17 May 2013].

An Cathach: An Cathach?. 2013. An Cathach: An Cathach?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ancathach.com/p/cathach.html. [Accessed 17 May 2013].

Book of Durrow - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013. Book of Durrow - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Durrow. [Accessed 17 May 2013].

Celtic Jewlerry

Meaning

Celtic jewelry was more classified to a magic and enchanting as different symbols and designs on the jewelry itself. Not only are they amazing works of art they are display great craftsmanship. They got their ideas from the world around them .. Nature .. They used various precious metals such as gold and silver also on bronze.

Dating back to 200 BC and 500 AD items such as gorgets, sleeve fasteners bracelets and torcs. Celtic art could have been found on other items such as wood and textiles though none of the works survived too this day.

Celtic jewelry has become popular around the world again and some gold smiths still produce fine jeweler using the same ancient techniques used by their predecessors getting their designs from manuscripts. Though the Celts may be gone their craft lives on today many in places where their descendants live.

Torcs

Worn around the neck

Torc worn around the neck 

Torc worn around the neck 

Celtic Rings 

Celtic cross design/ sterling silver (MODERN)

200 B.C 200 A.D/ Bronze

Celtic Braclets

Celtic La Tene spiral bronze bracelet

Celtic Braclet

A Verity of modern produced Celtic jewelry found at : 

http://www.saltirejewellery.com/Information/Celtic-Jewellery.html

Sources:

Ancient Artifacts Gallery. 2013. Ancient Artifacts Gallery. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.collector-antiquities.com/18/?vitem=3533&pcat=9. [Accessed 15 May 2013].

Celtic Cross Ring. 2013. Celtic Cross Ring. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.bikerringshop.com/servlet/the-30/celtic-cross-ring,-mens/Detail. [Accessed 15 May 2013].

Ancient Roman Celtic Bronze Ring w/ Concentric SPIRALS.Ancient Roman Celtic Bronze Ring . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.trocadero.com/stores/khronosgallery/items/723183/item723183.html. [Accessed 15 May 2013].

Anamcharabooks.com: friend. 2013. Anamcharabooks.com: friend. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.anamcharabooks.com/friend.php?id=693. [Accessed 15 May 2013].

U2ICT - Celtic Jewellery. 2013. U2ICT - Celtic Jewellery. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.u2ict.wikispaces.com/Celtic+Jewellery. [Accessed 15 May 2013].

Tim O'Malley. 2008. History of Celtic Jewlery. [ONLINE] Available at: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-History-Of-Celtic-Jewelry&id=988873. [Accessed 15 May 13].

Celtic History

Introduction

The Celtic symbol of the Holy Trinity combines 

the triangle and circle in one symbol to represent the Triune God.

Around the 6th century BC the Greek found out the Celts and branded them "Keltoi", some say the name was derived the world "kel" meaning hidden.  the Celts were a great number of different tribe who would be classified as and person who spoke the Celtic language.

The Celts Occupied a vast land stretching over modern day Greece, Spain, Northern Italy, Western Europe, England,wales, Ireland and Scotland.

Celtic Lands

Thought of as barbaric and savage by the Romans and Greeks yet no written records of any kind were found to prove otherwise as the Celts were largely illiterate. Though through archaeological research deans that this was not the case. The Celts were skilled metal workers, builders and farmers. They lands had shrines forts and settlements built in large numbers thus proving that they were intelligent and wealthy providing a key role in the development of Europe

Celtic Society

Celtic Craftsman, Druids, Warriors and Bards were considered to be the height of the Celtic society (noble class) A Chieftain or King was in command and farmers being the lower class. 

Celtic Women

Celtic unlike women of other cultures were and equal counterpart to men. They had freedom of power, though being a warrior society  they were a balanced society  Even their Gods and Goddesses were  were on equal ground.

Hand-colored version of Theodor de Bry’s engraving of a Pict

Celtic Men 

Celtic Men bared long shaggy hair , nobles also had long mustaches. Most painted themselves with blue paint called Woad. Also the Picts were a heavy tatood Celtic society.

Druids

Druids guarded the Celtic traditions and passed the tribal law. They did not pay taxes or be part of military service, they handled political and diplomacy, their word was the final word considered above chieftains and kings.

Sources : kellyheckart. N/A. THE ANCIENT CELTS. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.kelleyheckart.com/theancientcelts_page1.html [Accessed 15 May 13].


thistleandbroom. 2004. The Celts. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.thistleandbroom.com/scotland/celts.htm. [Accessed 15 May 13].