Dark Ages. Medieval art. Illuminated
Manuscripts..
Art of The Dark Ages
Illuminated Manuscripts of Europe
The words "Dark Ages" describing this Medieval
period in European art history is actually quite a misnomer. This
era spans the 7 th and 8 th centuries when Irish and Anglo Saxon
monasteries began to reproduce writings of Christian theology and
Gospels in manuscripts, embellishing them with extravagant use of
ornaments and gold-leafing.
Most of these decorations were derived from ornaments like
jewelry and brooches. The Spirals have been around since the
early history of mankind, knots and weaves are typical of Celtic
artistry, while intricate lacing or tracery was a Germanic
tradition.
Carpet Page from the Lindisfarne Gospels, Around 698-700, Design
in the Shape of a Cross Giclee Print
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Entire book pages were
ornamented; each page beginning with a Large decorated initials,
and pictures of evangelists. As they progressed, the techniques
got more sophisticated and spread from Ireland throughout
Europe.