How to Interpret Traditional Irish Art
The earliest remains we have of art in Ireland belong to the megalithic tomb at Newgrange. Bronze Age artifacts and golden objects like torcs and armlets reveal an interest in metalworking. The Medieval period produced religious images, decorative objects like the Tara Brooch and illuminated manuscripts. To understand traditional Irish art, you must interpret its symbols and learn about the history and religion of Ireland.
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Instructions
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Investigate the iconography and symbols of Celtic art in Ireland. These include knots, labyrinths, spirals and crosses. Celtic knots symbolize the thread of life and the process of the spirit. The oval knot and the serpent knot symbolized eternity. The round knot refers to the sun's orb and the three interlocking spiral knots represent earth, fire and water.
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Learn what the animals represented. The horse is associated with night, mystery and magic; the dog is a popular shape shifter depicting loyalty, snakes represent rebirth and the salmon knowledge. You do not see realistic representations of animals because Celtic tradition forbids the duplication of the Mother Goddess Danu's creation. The Celtic goddesses shape shifted into different animals and birds thus making them sacred.
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Study the mythology of the Celts in Ireland. They were polytheistic with more than 300 deities. Knowledge of the stories will help you interpret the artwork. Learn the iconography of the gods and goddesses so you can recognize them in the artwork. The Dagda (good god) is a figure of power, the god Lugus is associated with light sun and summer, Danu is the mother goddess and Morrigan is the tripartite battle goddess.
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Consider the landscape and history of Ireland and the role that plays upon the artwork. The land and sea are a major part of Irish life and an important subject in the art. The Celtic cross symbolizes the four roads to the four corners of the earth. They roads meet in the center of the earth. The Tree of Life is another symbol used by the Celts. Its meaning connects into the creation of the earth.
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Determine outside influences upon Ireland. Roman Christianity influenced early Irish art. Examine images from the illuminated manuscripts found in Ireland such as the "Books of Kells." It is on display at The Trinity College Library in Dublin. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements in European art influenced Irish nineteenth and twentieth century painting.
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