Ep 13. Celtic Art and Insular Art

In the final episode of The Celtic World season 1, we explore the intricate world of Celtic and Insular Art. Art has played a significant role in Celtic culture since their earliest recorded history, and this episode delves into the fascinating details of this form of expression.

Celtic art is best known for its ornate designs and intricate knotwork, typically seen in jewelry, manuscripts, and metalwork. These designs are believed to have started developing from the Iron Age, with several influences ranging from Roman to Scandinavian art. The designs, often geometric in nature, showcase a dazzling combination of symmetry and intricate detail.

The episode starts by introducing the significance of the Book of Kells, one of the most famed Irish manuscripts, written in the late eighth century by Celtic monks. The book is known for its intricate calligraphy and ornate decoration that showcase the pinnacle of Insular art. The section provides interesting insights into the complexity of the illustrations and outlines the main themes, such as evangelists, and old and new testament stories.

The episode moves on to showcase how the Celts embedded their art into everyday objects, and as a result, the art form became an integral part of their daily lives. Jewelry was an important aspect of Celtic art, with many designs showing a preference for gold, silver, copper, and bronze materials. The intricate designs such as the Celtic knot were often worn by both men and women as a symbol of their status.

Another fascinating object shown is the famous “Tara Brooch” – similar to a modern-day safety pin but far more decorative, it was a popular form of jewelry in the early Christian period. One of Ireland's most revered pieces of jewelry, it is meticulously crafted and features elaborate Celtic designs. The item's exquisite craftsmanship demonstrates not only the skill gained in metallurgy but also the sophisticated nature of Celtic craft.

The show also explores the monumental architectural structure of the round towers that were built around Ireland during the medieval period. These towers had various functions such as a place of refuge for monks during raids, a clock-tower, and also as important sites of pilgrimage. Moreover, the towers are also unique examples of the ingenuity of early Irish builders, and though they spoke the language of stone, they understood the principles of design and decoration with exquisite precision.

Finally, the episode highlights the collective Celtic identity that has resulted from a shared history and culture that spanned across certain parts of Europe. The episode concludes with a visually stunning curation of Celtic design elements that still remain today. From intricate stone crosses, imposing ruins and gravestones to the modern-day tattoos, clothing, and even home décor, the influence of ancient Celtic art on modern western art can be seen in various forms.

In conclusion, the episode presents an insightful look at Celtic and Insular art. The show does an excellent job of demonstrating the significance of the art form in Celtic culture as a whole, paying specific attention to their intricate designs and the sheer specificity of each object. This episode is a must-watch for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking inspiration from the Irish heritage.