Lindisfarne Gospels
The Lindisfarne Gospels The Lindisfarne Gospels is a beautifully handwritten and illuminated manuscript. It contains the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and narrates the life and lessons of Jesus Christ. Also included in the manuscript are fifteen elaborately decorated pages. Both the text and the decorated pages have remarkable artistic elements. It is also one of the best-documented and most complete manuscripts that have survived from the seventh and eighth centuries.1 Every aspect of the Lindisfarne Gospels, from the society and historical environment that shaped it, to the manufacturing of it, and to the artistry all throughout, contribute to distinguish it from other manuscripts of the time period. Similar to other early manuscripts, the Lindisfarne Gospels reflects the culture in which it was shaped. It was probably made around 715-720 AD on Lindisfarne, an island located off the east coast of Britain.2 The Germanic and Celtic peoples living in Britain during this period had a rich oral culture. Upon contact with Rome and their conversion to Christianity, written literacy quickly gained prominence in their society. Books were being produced regularly and rapidly. More people were learning how to read and write; and for the illiterate, they read through the images. The Germanic and Celtic peoples contributed their skills in the decoration and production of these books. Books were adorned in jewels and precious materials.3 It is this conversion to Christianity and boom in written literacy that created the setting in which the Lindisfarne Gospels would be produced. The production of the Lindisfarne Gospels was a lengthy and elaborate process. Bishop Eadfrith of the Lindisfarne Church wrote and illuminated the manuscript. Most books were written by groups of monks and nuns, so for Bishop Eadfrith to have authored the entire manuscript himself reveals his extreme commitment and dedication.4 It took approximately two years to complete the entire