Brewer's: Illuminations

Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon illuminations from the eighth to the eleventh century. Extreme intricacy of pattern.

Interlacings of knots in a diagonal or square form, sometimes interwoven with animals and terminating with heads of serpents or birds. (SirF.Madden.)

The Durham Book, the work of Eadfrid, Bishop of Lindisfarne, who died 721, is a most splendid specimen of illumination.

The Benedictional of St. Ethelwold, an illuminated MS. by Godemann, in the Duke of Devonshire's library, is worthy of Raphael or Michael Angelo. It was executed between 963 and 984, and is full of miniatures and designs in the highest style of art. Beautiful engravings of it may be seen in the Archæologia.

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