In insular books whatever symbolic importance the xp i incipit may have had seems to have been concentrated in the first letter. The book was created about 800 by irish monks in the. This is based on constantines application of the chi rho symbol to his military standard after receiving his famous vision before the battle of the milvian bridge in 312. The most fascinating thing about the book of kells is that everything was done by hand with such precision and detail. Kells dramatically fills up more than half the page, leaping like a giant acrobat over the small upright rho and iota below. One of the most sublime examples of medieval painting ever seen, the monogram chirho page is the most important page in the late 8thcentury book of kells. Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin. But since this singular treatment of the chi rho incipit appears so consistently in irish gospel books from the book of durrow on, it may be surmised that in the irish communities where these codices were used matt. This too, is the book that illuminates matthews account of jesus birth these books were carried in processions and laid on the altar. One such example of an isolated description can be found in a recent edition of gardners art through the ages, which discusses the chirhoiota xpi page, folio 34 recto of the book of kells c. Chi rho the chi rho is one of the earliest cruciform. In this opening page to the gospel of saint matthew, the painter transformed the biblical text into abstract pattern, literally making gods words beautiful. The book of kells trinity college dublin ms 58 contains the four gospels in latin based on the vulgate text which st jerome completed in 384ad, intermixed with readings from the earlier old latin translation. Carolingian the carolingian period refers to the time during the reign of charlemagne who was crowned king of the franks in 768 and then the emperor of rome in 800.
Chi rho iota page, book of matthew, book of kells late 8th. It is the chi rho, a symbol still used in the roman catholic church, that symbolizes christs name as it is the first two letters of the word. The chi rho is one of the earliest forms of christian symbols, formed by superimposing the first two capital letters of chi and rho, or x and p, from the greek word for christ. The page dwells almost entirely on the name of christ, or rather on its traditional. The chi rho is also known as the labarum, which is based on the latin word laureum, military standard. The chirho page consists of the greek letters chi and rho that were used in medieval times to abbreviate the word christ.
This piece includes line, color, pattern, space, and balance. With quills and ink of iron gall on folded vellum, monks in their cells labored in hives of stone. Feb, 2006 one can see the x p i forms shown on the pulpit fall in the post below. School announcements and relevant news shall be posted on this page. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters of the word christ in greek. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript, sometimes known as the book of columba, held in the trinity college library, dublin. The letter rho is snuggled underneath the arms of the chi. The blank verso of folio 33 faces the single most lavish miniature of the early medieval period, the book of kells chi rho monogram, which serves as incipit for the narrative of the life of christ. Jun 01, 2017 the chi rho page in the book of kells is perhaps the most elaborate and enigmatic illumination in the manuscript. Cowen published their history of the society in 1955 in the american journal of pharmaceutical education 1955. This is the official facebook page of chi rho publications. This is based on constantines application of the chirho symbol to his military standard after receiving his famous vision before the battle of the milvian bridge in. The chi rho is one of the earliest cruciform symbols used by christians.
Chi rho iota page from the book of kells probably from iota, scotland. When compared to other insular manuscripts that similarly embellish the chi. The chi rho iota page from the book of kells shows. Halffigures of winged angels apear to the left of chi, accompanying the monogram as if accompanying christ himself. The chi rho monogram from the book of kells rajkumar r. Chi rho and alpha and omega on a modern catholic altar. One can see the x p i forms shown on the pulpit fall in the post below. The chi rho iota page is not purely embellished script and abstract pattern. Founded at trinity university in 1992, iota chi rho provides a unique social outlet that emphasizes brotherhood, individuality, friendship, and tradition. Dec 05, 2010 this page is one particular illuminated page from the book of kells. These represent the greek letters chi rho iota, the beginning letters of christ in greek.
Chi and rho are two letters of the greek alphabet, the. One such example of an isolated description can be found in a recent edition of gardners art through the ages, which discusses the chi rho iota xpi page, folio 34 recto of the book. The book of kells exhibition what is the book of kells. Currently the book of kells is housed at trinity college in dublin ireland and seen by half a million visitors a year. The site for celtic studies, and the medieval celtic studies blog scela. Embellished word page chi ro iota page, book of kells definition. The greek letters xpi abbreviated for the word christ. Book of kells contains 4 biblical accounts of christs life 4. Book of kells greatest achievement in hibernosaxon art. Chi rho the chi rho is one of the earliest cruciform symbo. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript in latin of the four gospels of the new testament together with some extra texts and tables it was created by celtic monks about 800 ad or slightly earlier.
So this piece is about christs first appearance in the gospel. The letters that look like xpi that form the primary. The letter chi dominates the page with one arm swooping across the majority of the page. Medieval monks spent years copying elaborate manuscripts. The chi rho page of the lindisfarne gospels st cuddys. We focus on promoting excellence in the profession of counseling and hope to get members more involved in professional development, community engagement, wellness, and more. Named after monastery in southern ireland that owned it. Purse cover from sutton hoo, cross and carpet page, chi rho iota page from the book of kells. June 15, 2016 the library of trinity college dublin. Dec 07, 2011 currently the book of kells is housed at trinity college in dublin ireland and seen by half a million visitors a year.
Vellum is a smooth, fine parchment made originally form calf skin. Manuscripts of the early middle ages chi rho iota page from the book of kells the chi rho iota is a page from the book of kells is think it was created at iona scotland in the late 8th and early 9th century, an illuminated manuscript of oxgall ink and pigmented on vellum. Made in 800ad by the monks belonging to the columban movement, it is probably irelands greatest national treasure. This page opens account of jesus in gospels of saint matthew. The chi rho page consists of the greek letters chi and rho that were used in medieval times to abbreviate the word christ. Apr 21, 2011 the book of kells was to be their masterwork. Evidence of irish interest in the exegesis on iota may be cited in the discussion of its relationship to apex in an eighthcentury commentary on matthew cited by bischoff, wendepunkte 243. Although not technically a cross, the chi rho invokes the crucifixion of jesus as well as symbolizing his status as the christ. This page is from the gospel according to matthew, which eadfrith gave two initial pages. Initial letters of christ in greek xpi chi rho iota, nearly all page. The letters chi, rho and i are an abbreviation of christ. The chi rho monogram from the book of kells rajkumar r medium. Jan 14, 20 chi rho iota page, book of matthew, book of kells late 8th early 9th century tempera on vellum hibernosaxon culture stay safe and healthy.
Both letters are divided into compartments which are lavishly decorated with knot work and other patterns. This intricate artwork depicts the christian symbol of the chirho. Folio 34r of the book of kells is the chi rho page, expanding the first two letters of the word christ. Chi rho iota, doral academy preparatory pages 1 3 text. The page dwells almost entirely on the name of christ, or rather on its traditional abbreviation into the chi rho symbol say it kairoe. There is also an iota, an i, the third letter, passing up through this spiral. The letters that look like xpi that form the primary page elements are respectively, the chi, the rho, and the iota. May 18, 20 chi rho iota page from the book of kells made in iona, scotland, late 8th or early 9th century. In that same year, the first edition of the book now known as the history of the rho chi society was published. The chi rho iota page form the book of kells as well, has many. Chi rho iota page from the book of kells, late 8th or. Sequential xps in the carolingian godescalc evangelistary. I feel like medieval gospel books were meant to be experienced as cohesive whole, not as merely isolated illuminations. The book of kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels, created around 800 a.
The chirho is one of the earliest forms of christian symbols, formed by superimposing the first two capital letters of chi and rho, or x and p, from the greek word for christ. Chi rho iota page from the book of kells, late 8th or early. This intricate artwork depicts the christian symbol of the chi rho. The chi rho page in the book of kells volume 36 suzanne lewis. It is an early medieval manuscript that contains four different biblical accounts, matthew, john, luke, and mark, about christs life and it helps show christ presence at the altar for all to see cothren 441. Nov 20, 2011 this is chi rho iota from the book of kells. Iona, scotland, late eighth or early ninth century. The letter chi dominates the page with one arm swooping across the. The page is rich in multilayered symbolism intended to engage its monastic audience with a range of eucharistic and christological themes. Chi and rho are two letters from the greek alphabet, chi gives the ch. X marks the spot the monogram of christ early irish.
As part of our discussion of the book of kells, we will contemplate the famous chi rho page from the book of kells. Rho kappa chapter university of north texas, denton, texas established in 1989. This particular symbol is from the book of kells, made in an irish monastery. The chi rho iota page from the famous hibernosaxon manuscript, book of kells, corresponds with the text from matthews gospel and story of the birth of jesus christ. The chirho is also known as the labarum, which is based on the latin word laureum, military standard. These are the values upheld by the men of iota chi rho, a mens social fraternity founded in 1992 at trinity university in san antonio. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Iota chi rho, or ixp for short, lives up to its reputation as the alternative frat by offering trinity students a unique take on fraternity life. An ideal place to contemplate our heavenly father, the trinity, the gospel. On either side is the alpha and omega, which symbolizes christs lordship over all time. The chi rho iota page from the book of kells was made in iona, scotland in the late 8th and early 9th century.
The greatest achievement of hibernosaxon art is the book of kells, which boasts an unprecedented number of full page illuminations, including carpet pages, evangelist symbols, portrayals of the virgin mary and of christ, new testament narrative scenes, canon tables, and several. The chi rho page in the book of kells is perhaps the most elaborate and enigmatic illumination in the manuscript. The kells initial also contains the third letter of christs name, iota i. One of the most sublime examples of medieval painting ever seen, the monogram chi rho page is the most important page in the late 8thcentury book of kells, arguably the finest of all illuminated manuscripts of the middle ages and famous for the intricate swirling patterns of its celtic art. In the book of kells, the chi rho monogram has grown to consume the entire page. Is believed that creators of the book of kells were monks their inspirations was faith and service to god.
Best of all was the chance to visit the book of kells as many times as i wanted. Initial letters of christ in greek xpi chirhoiota, nearly all page. They became famous for writing and copying books as for their intense spirituality and missionary fervor. One of the most spectacular displays of ornamented text in early irish manuscripts is the chi rho page in the book of kells fig. Chi rho iota page from the book of kells made in iona, scotland. Chi rho iota page, folio 34 recto of the book of kells. The chi rho iota page from the famous hiberno saxon. Our chapter has active members including current students, alumni, and faculty. Chi and rho are two letters from the greek alphabet, chi gives the ch sound and is written as an x. This page is one particular illuminated page from the book of kells. Room in a monastery of writing or copying manuscripts.
The word made flesh click here for a smaller 72 dpi image. Chi is written as an x while rho is roughly written. There are word written in the bottom right, and it starts with matthew 1. These three letters are used as the abbreviated form of christs name in greek, and open that passage from matthew in latin. Art history 110 flashcards flashcard machine create. What is the name of this page from the book of kells. The initial chi in kells dramatically fills up more than half the page, leaping like a giant acrobat over the small upright rho and iota below. Ornamental celebration of christs initial mention in text 3. The most famous page is known as chi rho, which are the first letters of the word christ in ancient greek. May 18, 2008 the illumination above shows the symbol for the word christ. The text of the gospels is mostly taken from the vulgate bible, and it has several passages from earlier versions of the bible, such as the vetus latina. The illumination above shows the symbol for the word christ. Mar 12, 2011 chi rho page folio 34r books of kells c.
859 110 813 112 1489 701 1337 654 949 1363 46 863 68 1459 1147 1406 793 1350 1433 1284 942 934 1110 83 525 1481 8 935 1191 1152