Peter Harbison examines the evidence for a reappraisal of a manuscript in St Gall
The manuscript numbered 51 in the Stiftsbibliothek in St Gall in Switzerland is, after the Book of Kells, one of the finest illuminated codices considered by many to have been produced in Ireland. Its beautifully decorated pages include a Chi-Rho design reminiscent of, but simpler than, that in the Book of Kells, along with the usual four Evangelist portraits. Two of the pages, however, have a more narrative significance. The first, page 266, is a Crucifixion scene (Fig 5) with Christ swathed in a swirling garment of voluminous ribbons, with two book-holding angels above his outstretched arms on the cross. In addition, there are the supporting figures of Stephaton reaching the hyssop-laden chalice up to the Saviour’s chin, and Longinus piercing Christ’s side with a spear. A notable feature is the blood of Christ flowing out from the wound in his left side on to the eye of Longinus who, according to an pocryphal account, was thereby cured of his blindness.
Mark Ewart visits the studio of Allihies-based artist Rachel Parry who transforms natural matter into mesmerizing art.
Kim Haughton’s portraits, on view now at the National Museum Collins Barracks, reflect on Ireland’s multi-layered society at the end of the first century of this nation state, writes Stephanie McBride
