SS118 Introduction to Art in Ireland

This course traces the development of Ireland's rich and vibrant artistic heritage, beginning with decorated megaliths and the exquisite Bronze Age gold work to the introduction and development of Celtic or La Tène art styles into Ireland around 400BC. La Tène was a dominant element in Irish art of the first few centuries. AD influenced the motif book of early Christian art through to the 7th and 8th century, along with Germanic art of Dark Age Europe. An appreciation of style, symbolism and iconography in Early Christian art is integral to understand the artistic achievements of the 'Golden Age' of Irish art, including illuminated manuscripts, ecclesiastical metalwork and Irish high crosses. Early Irish art provides a unique window on the past in revealing cross cultural influences that can be explored through iconographical analysis.