The Book of Durrow summary

While some believed in the book must have originated from Durrow in Ireland, some believe that the book originated from Northumbria in Egland. There are different theories about the origin of the book. One approach was that the book created in Iona before it was taken to Kells, ending up later in Durrow ("Book Of Durrow"). The book contains four books of gospel considered to have been spread or preached by four different people who are regarded in many religions as saints. The four evangelists who spread the gospel are saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke and Saint John. The same technique of color is also used throughout the book. Red, yellow and green colors are used in the decorative borders in a background that is considered as black.

The yellow, green and red color creates a distinctive brightness over the darkness created by the black background. The four symbols of the evangelist are generated through the use of brown and black colors that creates a sharp contrast over the vellum's pale color (Morganon) It is however interesting, to know that other scholars believed that the inscription of the book in the colophon had different claims. It claims that Saint Columba was the first one to engrave the text. Zimmerman believes that the book is older than other gospels like the gospel of Litchfield which is dated to 730 century. It is also believed to be older than the gospel of Echternach by Willibrord which is believed to be fall between 690-715thCentury ("DUBLIN, TRINITY COLLEGE MS A").

The book depicts "La Tene" ornamentation, decorative art that new demands made by Christian were met. This decorative art was followed by Irish who followed Saint Columba. It is interesting to know that the book was, therefore, an outcome of skills imparted to the Irish followers at the school of illumination that taught decorative art. The pages which are considered to be carpet pages looks like well-designed prayer mats. The purpose of the interlace decoration found in the book was believed to trap evil from the text that followed. People thought that the interlace decorations could shield the previous version from sin. Gospel icons were well-decorated pictures that depicted the evangelists. These were Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. This serves as a title page, and it contains the starting words of the text with elaborate illustrations.

Initial is an enlarged and well-decorated letter which marks the beginning of a crucial part of the book which can be a chapter, or a paragraph or either a verse. Despite the fact that these artistic components existed before, the Christians of Irish changed this by introducing interlacing bands of the insular art. This art was which was also applied to the book of Durrowas well ("The Book Of Durrow: St. Matthew, History & Illustrations | Study. The incipits of every gospel are faced with the carpet pages. One exciting thing that was noted in the book of Durrow is the combination of all the four symbols of the evangelist. These symbols are united by a cross. The unification by the cross is considered by some scholars and theologist as the unification of the gospel ("DUBLIN, TRINITY COLLEGE MS A").

Some scholars believe the work done by the monks of Irish in decorating the book as an intelligent work of art that was intended not only to make the book beautiful but also to make it appealing to any observer or reader. This is because it captures the reader's attention and creates a desire to revisit the pages most of the time, with the aim of discovering the hidden information or meanings in the book, hidden in the form of well eye captivating art. The importance of this art can be considered as a technique which was employed by the monks to inspire the reader to study in detail the book. This is common and an important goal that is desired to be achieved by anyone who spreads the gospel.

The gospel book should regularly be studied to find the meaning of the scripture and have a deepened understanding and spiritual nourishment. The book is considered to be pleasing to reader's eye. Matthew, History & Illustrations | Study. Com") The interpretation of the art in the Book of Durrow has been interpreted by scholars in different ways. Some consider that the use of art and frames with decorated patterns had a great significance in the spread of the gospel during the medieval times. It makes use of reader's spiritual sight and enables them to attain a higher understanding rather than just flipping pages for entertainment. The scholars have emphasized the importance of the piece of art used to describe the extent to which it was meant to capture the attention of the reader entirely.

Scholars still try to understand why the three religions contain the carpet pages genuinely. Some scholars believe that there would be a unification of the various religions in the future. Some religious scholars consider this an important event that may happen. It is imperative to note the similarity that exists in the design and the way the carpet pages are used in some of the religions. Hebrew manuscripts belonging to medieval periods, for example, have significant sections of the book opened by the carpet pages. " Art History Leaving Cert. Web. 20 Apr. Madigan, John. "Léann An Chultúir – A Site For Cultural Studies Geeks. p. Web. 20 Apr. "Book Of Durrow. " Pangur's Bookshelf. 20 Apr. "The Book Of Durrow: St. Matthew, History & Illustrations | Study.