Among the treasures in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin is an exquisitely illuminated manuscript of the Gospels known as the book of Durrow. It is said to have been written at Durrow Abbey in about AD 675, although some scholars say it may have been created in Iona or Northumbria. It is one of the earliest manuscripts to cover a whole page with ornament, called a 'carpet' page. The manuscript disappeared in the 16th century, when the monastery was dissolved, but was found a century later and given to Trinity Collage. Its survival in the intervening period is a miracle, because during that time it belonged to a local farmer who used to pour water onto it to cure his cattle.

The Book of Durrow, the earliest substantial Irish illuminated manuscript making extensive use of decoration and colour. Dating from about 675, it contains the Latin (Vulgate) text of the four Gospels, six carpet pages and five other completely illuminated pages including particularly fine renderings of the symbols of the Evangelists. The style it's self is the creation of the Irish monasticism during its golden age.

 

The Evangelist.

St Matthew, as portrayed in the
Book of Durrow, a 7th century
illuminated manuscript of the
Gospels. It's beautiful, intricate
ornamentation makes a striking
contrast to the stiffness of the
human figure.

 

 

 

 

A Carpet Page from
the Book of Durrow.

This is a term used to describe a
crowned page of pure decoration;
Illuminated manuscripts in the Irish
tradition normally contained
several carpet pages.

The ornamentation is not entirely
abstract, the presence of
biting-animal motifs suggesting
some Germanic Influence.