Irish and Scottish Art, C. 900-1900 - by Rachel Moss & Heather Pulliam

About the Book

Studies the shared artistic traditions of Scotland and Ireland, from the medieval to the modern

Book Synopsis

As evidenced by the famed Book of Kells and monumental high crosses, Scotland and Ireland have long shared a distinctive artistic tradition. The story of how this tradition developed and flourished for another millennium through survival, adaptation and revival is less well known. Some works were preserved and repaired as relics, objects of devotion believed to hold magical powers.
Respect for the past saw the creation of new artefacts through the assemblage of older parts, or the creation of fakes and facsimiles. Meanings and values attached to these objects, and to places with strong early Christian associations, changed over time but their 'Celtic' and/or 'Gaelic' character has remained to the forefront of Scottish and Irish national expression.
Exploring themes of authenticity, imitation, heritage, conservation and nationalism, these interdisciplinary essays draw attention to a variety of understudied artworks and illustrate the enduring link that exists between Scottish and Irish cultures.

Review Quotes

The features of Insular art produced in Ireland and Scotland are broadly recognisable: monumental ring crosses, energetic animal ornament, interlace, distinctive end elegant lettering. Their moments of glory were around the 9th and late 19th centuries with an efflorescence in the late middle ages too.

What happened in between those high moments and caused the revivals? This richly developed book provides a nuanced explanation of the political, religious and social factors which sustained Insular art not only as a distinct style but also through a range of revered objects. It demonstrates how these artefacts perpetuated belief, opinion, ancient knowledge, social status and national identity.

--Jane Geddes, Professor Emerita, University of Aberdeen

This greatly anticipated volume examines, among other concepts, the perceptions of authenticity in the early medieval Irish and Scottish material and more recent 'Celtic' artefacts and is to be welcomed. The entrenched reverence for the past continues to influence contemporary views that may not consider the life or lives of the objects under examination. It is refreshing to experience this compilation of contributors who give sight to new understandings.--Kelly Fitzgerald, University College Dublin