1. Illuminated Letters Medieval European Book Art

2. Illuminated Manuscript: Text decorated with complex borders, initials, and small illustrations Often religious in subject matter, though secular topics became more common To Illuminate = To Illustrate

3. Manuscripts were transcribed by monks No printing presses Only the ruling classes could afford manuscripts and books Upper classes weren’t necessarily literate Most manuscripts were created on treated animal skin - vellum or parchment. Few were created on papyrus. Pigments and precious metals were also used in the creation of these works of art

5. The Book of Kells Illuminated Manuscript of the New Testament Created in either Britain or Ireland around 800 CE Excellent example of Insular or Celtic Knots

6. Celts: A group of ancient peoples whose range spanned from modern day Turkey to Scandinavia and down to the Iberian Peninsula Ancient Celts never lived on the British Islands, though the term is used to refer to the cultures that are currently there Insular Knots: geometric, complex patterns used in metalwork, stone carvings, and manuscript illustrations. Insular = Island. Originating from the British Isles.

8. Celtic Imagery Spirals

9. Celtic Imagery Knots

10. Illuminated Letter Criteria Project Requirements: Your Project Must…  Have at least one complete sheet of Celtic Knot practice completed – either on the worksheet or on one page of sketchbook paper  Have at least one sketchbook page of preliminary sketches and ideas developed before beginning the final draft  Be created on one sheet of 7x7” paper  Have at least a 1” border on all four sides  Prominently feature spiral, grid, and knot designs/patterns o All knots, spirals, and grids must be created by the student, they may not be traced from other sources o Students may create a knot, spiral, or grid pattern in their sketchbook or on a separate piece of paper and trace their own designs  Be complexly designed – large open areas must be avoided  Have a capital letter as the focal point of the artwork  Clearly illustrate/illuminate a theme or concept that is related to the focal point letter  Have all areas filled in neatly with colored pencil  Use metallic gold to accent the focal point letter  Have all pencil lines neatly outlined with a fine point Sharpie  Be mounted on a sheet of black construction paper that is 9x9” with your name written clearly on the back