InsularArt ARTH114

CONNECTION TO READINGS This week's reading was "The Image of Orthodoxy: The Mysterium Christi and Insular Gospel Books" by Jennifer O'Reilly, Carol Farr and Elizabeth Mullins. This reading talks directly about the insular gospels, like this manuscript. Specifically, one section talks about the importance of the representation of the Crucifixion - what we see portrayed in this Object Annotation. Compared to other scenes of the Crucifixion, this one has no inscription or captioning within it, no words that give any context other than what we can infer from the image. However, what is concurrent with other images is the presence of the spear and the sponge. These objects were used against Jesus Christ, basically "adding insult to injury"; a spear to poke at his injuries, and a sponge soaked in vinegar if he "got thirsty". The specific spear and sponge in this image are similar as the ones mentioned in the Durham gospel, suggesting that both the St. Gall and Durham gospels had the same insular style and depictions.

SUBJECT AND CONTEXT This object annotation is a manuscript depicting the Detail of Crucifixion from the St Gall Gospels, created in Ireland during the mid-eighth century. This image depicts Jesus' Crucifixion on the cross. Above Jesus are two angels, which are represented as adults with wings holding books, versus the stereotypical cherub. On the bottom sides of Jesus, are two figures meant to represent the Romans who crucified Jesus. They are holding a spear and a sponge; symbols that often represent Jesus' suffering for mankind. All the figures in the image are asymmetrical and unproportional; adding to the stylization of the insular art style. The image is bordered in the traditional Celtic "woven"-like patterns. Color usage also plays a role in understanding the image; they likely had limited color options in this time - the figures with spears have dots in their hair likely to make a distinction versus just solid color in the image.

STYLE & CONTEXTThis image is a very good portrayal of the Insular art style. It leans into an abstract style versus something more realistic. The manuscript art here has an importance on lines and color that give the image depth without being a highly detailed three-dimensional image. What might be seen as an "excessive" use of lines and patterns is done to combat "horror vacui", or the "fear of open space". The lines and patterns in the image's border are within the Insular art style, however also are reminiscent of the Celtic woven designs.