From Script to Symbol: Artistic Conventions in British and Irish Mediaeval Illumination
From Script to Symbol: Artistic Conventions in British and Irish Mediaeval Illumination

Summary/Abstract: This study investigates the artistic significance of some of the most renowned British and Irish mediaeval manuscripts, focusing particularly on works from the eighth to the 10th centuries. It aims to explore and interpret the art of handwriting and illustration in early mediaeval manuscripts, with a particular emphasis on their visual and symbolic dimensions. These illuminated manuscripts not only reflect the religious and aesthetic ideals of the period but also offer valuable insights into the broader cultural and artistic developments of early mediaeval Britain and Ireland. While much scholarly attention has been devoted to textual content and symbolic motifs within these manuscripts, the visual representation of the human figure, along with the techniques and methods used to create these illustrations, remains comparatively underexamined. This research addresses that gap by analysing artistic conventions, such as line quality, composition, proportions, and depictions of clothing, to better understand the visual language and artistic practices of the time. Through this lens, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of mediaeval cultural norms, artistic identities, and the role of manuscript art in shaping visual communication in early British and Irish societies.

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