Françoise Henry’s studies in early Irish art illuminated its role in the medieval art of Europe, writes Peter Harbison.
The recent publication in both English and French of Françoise Henry’s account of her stay on the Inishkea Islands off the west coast of Mayo, where she was engaged in archaeological excavations in four separate years between 1937 and 1950, is an appropriate opportunity to recall and herald the achievements of this remarkable French woman who was one of the great doyennes, and indeed the founder, of Irish art-historical studies in the 20th century.
The realm of faith illustrated in the Book of Kells can be elusive to modern audiences; however, a new study by Bernard Meehan provides valuable insights into this peerless manuscript