Celtic Art and Visigothic Architecture in Early Medieval Europe
Mainly in monastic or ecclesiastical contexts, many Celtic artworks are very simple. Some authors have suggested that their incised carving technique is reminiscent of wood carving. It is possible that many were originally made of wood, but only the stone versions have survived.
Ogham Stones
Important examples include the so-called Ogham stones, which feature inscriptions on stone:
- Drumaqueran: Carved with a chrismon.
- Smell: More complicated, featuring a Latin cross with the alpha and omega hanging from the horizontal arms. These pieces are thought to be influenced by Continental goldwork.
- Reask
Most striking, however, are the monumental crosses found on the exteriors of monasteries, in courtyards often related to rural cemeteries. These crosses, which display a great profusion of detail, characterize Celtic art.
Monumental Crosses (Late 7th to 12th Centuries)
The origin of these crosses is not well understood. Their intricate carvings suggest a connection to jewelry, and it is likely that many copies circulated as processional crosses. The transition from engraved sculpture to stone is unclear.
No stone crosses are found after the 13th century, making it difficult to determine their full period of development. In the 11th century, we begin to see panels on the crosses.
Southern Cross – Monasterboice (Early 10th Century)
By the 10th century, the composition of these crosses became more complex, incorporating biblical cycles, as seen in the Southern Cross at Monasterboice.
Carved on both sides, it resembles a temple with a gabled roof, similar to the Chapel of St. Peter at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex. Its exposure to the elements has caused weathering and erosion.
Iconography:
- Center: A figure with a cross, representing Christ in the Last Judgement, forms the focal point.
- Above Christ: A bird represents the Holy Spirit, and above that, three figures depict the Father flanked by two angels.
- Right of Christ: King David playing the lyre.
- Under Christ: St. Michael weighing souls.
- Right Arm (Left of Christ): A devil with a trident pushing souls.
- Left Arm (Right of Christ): An angel blowing a trumpet and the saved souls.
- Panels at the Foot of the Cross (Top to Bottom): The Adoration of the Magi, Moses striking the rock, Eve offering the forbidden fruit to Adam, Cain and Abel, and two cats.
- Base: Zodiac symbols.
- Bottom Frieze: Typical Celtic interlace patterns.
This imagery is often repeated and may be related to mortuary chapels within the cemetery context.
Europe of the Invasions (Part IV): Hispania Under the Visigoths
Architecture and Hispano-Visigothic Goldsmithing (5th-7th Centuries)
After settling in the Iberian Peninsula, the Visigoths established the Kingdom of Toledo and converted to Catholicism from Arianism.
However, we find no distinct Visigothic architectural style or unique artistic or religious characteristics in their goldwork.
Major Historical Sources
Important historical sources are found in Latin patristic texts:
- Hydatius: A 5th-century historian who primarily wrote about the period of invasions.
- Paulus Orosius: A 4th-century Visigothic historian who wrote about paganism and discussed the greatness of Rome and the new situation following the invasions. These authors reflected on the invasions of the Roman period.