Celtic Art – Celtic cross art prints at Imagekind
Celtic art often consists of strange and mysterious images of complex symbols and
mythical creatures carved in stone, wood or other rugged materials. A clear juxtaposition
occurs within Celtic art in which the symbols include elaborate details of precise
etch work. However, though the images are highly ornamental, the actual materials
used are generally rough and natural resources such as stone and wood. These two
competing elements of complex and beautiful created out of the rough and often ugly
elements, are what give Celtic art its distinct and stunning aspect.
Two different periods generally divide Celtic art. The first dates back from pre-history
and continues beyond the medieval period. The second is more recent which dates
back from the 18th century and continues through present day. There seems to be
no clear inspiration behind the resurgence of Celtic art, other than that it was
due to modern Celts seeking to express their self-identification and nationalism
in an art form uniquely theirs.
Several recurring images within Celtic art make it distinct and easily noticeable.
One of the most notable and defining within Celtic art is the High Cross, or what
is better known today simply as the Celtic cross. The Celtic cross was most prominent
in the 10th century and was usually a large cross sculpture that contained Biblical
scenes etched in the stone. Though the engravings upon Celtic crosses now contain
a wide range of inspiration, it was in the context of Christianity that
Celtic cross art flourished.
Another important form within Celtic art is the Pictish stone, found mostly in Scotland
and among some the final remains of their makers the Picts. Pictish stones are generally
solitary standing stones, sometimes shaped and sometimes not, that have detailed
and complex symbols carved on them. The carvings range in variety and contain several
differing images, which include those of people, most commonly equestrians, and
animals, both real and fantastic. Images of battles between the humans and fantasy
animals are often believed to be scenes found within Pictish mythology, which can
be related to Celtic mythology.
It should not be confused that Celtic art is synonymous with Irish art, or even
Scottish art. Though both Scottish and Irish art draw heavily on Celtic art, the
influence of Celtic art is not limited to only them. In fact, the Gaulish language
derived from the Celtic language and the name “Celt” is often synonymous with the
Gauls who inhabited much of Western Europe, including Italy, France, Switzerland
and parts of Germany. The influence of the Celts spread far beyond the British Isles
and even in present day, Celtic art is a prominent and magnificent form of art.