The Lindisfarne Gospels were created on Holy Island in the late 7th/early 8th century by monk Eadfrith before his death in 721. It combines elements of Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Roman, Coptic and Eastern artistic traditions to illustrate the four Gospels of Jesus. Eadfrith incorporated diverse styles into his illuminations of the manuscript, leaving some parts unfinished upon his death.

1. The Lindisfarne Gospels…
…and other Illuminated Manuscripts

2. Made on Holy Island

3. The work of one monk, Eadfrith
• Bishop of Lindisfarne
from 698
• Died in 721, leaving
some parts unfinished
• Anonymous: a note
added less than 100
years later gives his
name

4. Tells the story of Jesus:
the 4 Gospels

5. Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Roman,
Coptic and
Eastern artistic traditions

6. Eastern/Islamic Style Influences

7. Celtic Style: The Book of Kells
Irish, about 800
• Mythical beasts
• Celtic knots

8. • Made on Holy Island
• The work of one monk, Eadfrith, d.721
• Combines Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Roman, Coptic
and Eastern artistic traditions
• Tells the story of Jesus, in the 4 different
Gospels

9. Medieval Books of Hours
• Decorated initials with floral/natural decoration

10. Initial Letters with Illustrations

11. Decorative Borders

12. Pictures and Borders

13. All sorts of styles!

14. Does it still go on?

15. Does it still go on?

16. Does it still go on?

17. Graffiti artists

18. Artists use decorated writing

19. Cartoonists

20. Cartoon story telling

21. …can be used for the Bible too!