Celtic Art
Celtic Art in Scotland
Celtic art is a term used to describe the visual art of the peoples known as Celts, who spoke the Celtic languages in Europe from pre-history through to the modern period. It is a difficult term to define, covering a huge expanse of time, geography and cultures. However, some common features of ancient Celtic art include sculptures of enigmatic gods and naked warriors, a love of depicting forest animals, the use of complex and swirling vegetal designs, and a desire to enhance the beauty of even the smallest and most mundane of everyday objects. The art produced by the Celts was influenced by and eventually retreated from neighbouring cultures ranging from the Thracians to the Romans. In vogue ever since ancient and medieval pieces were rediscovered in the 19th century CE, Celtic art continues to fascinate and inspire artists and craftworkers today.
The La Tène period (broadly 5th to 1st centuries BC) is considered the prime period of Celtic artwork. The art produced during this period is characterized by energetic circular forms, triskeles, and spirals, which are often stylized. Narrative scenes only appear under outside influence . The Early Medieval art of Britain and Ireland, which produced the Book of Kells and other masterpieces, and is what “Celtic art” evokes for much of the general public in the English-speaking world, is called Insular art in art history .
George Bain (1881-1968), a Scottish illustrator, watercolourist, designer and art teacher, made an important contribution to the continued interest in Celtic and Insular art. He produced numerous designs in a Celtic style, for all kinds of items – from rugs to teapots, from knitting patterns to handbags. His book, “Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction” is a pioneering work that explains how simple principles, no more difficult than those used in needlecraft, were used to create some of the finest artistic works ever seen. He also explains how you can use these principles in re-creating artifacts and in creating your own Celtic designs for art and craft work or even for recreational use. The George Bain Collection, which is a Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland, contains Bain’s sketches, hand-drawn plates for his books, designs for craftwork and craftwork itself – carpets, leatherwork, woodwork. You can explore the collection and learn more about Bain’s work on their website.
Bain's Celtic knotwork designs are characterized by their intricate and beautiful patterns. He was particularly skilled at creating complex designs that were both visually appealing and mathematically precise. Bain's work has been used in a variety of different contexts, including jewelry, metalwork, and illuminated manuscripts.
Here are some examples of George Bain's Celtic knotwork designs:
The Tara Brooch: The Tara Brooch is a Celtic brooch that dates back to the 7th century AD. Bain created a detailed drawing of the Tara Brooch, which is now considered to be one of the most important works of Celtic art.
The Book of Kells: The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript that was created in the 9th century AD. Bain created a number of drawings of the Celtic knotwork designs that are found in the Book of Kells. George Bain Celtic knotwork designs Book of Kells
The Lindisfarne Gospels: The Lindisfarne Gospels is another illuminated manuscript that was created in the 9th century AD. Bain created a number of drawings of the Celtic knotwork designs that are found in the Lindisfarne Gospels.
George Bain's Celtic knotwork designs are a beautiful and timeless example of Celtic art. His work has helped to inspire and influence a generation of artists and designers, and his legacy continues to live on today.
