Celtic art
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Celtic Art
The Celts occupied countries from Spain to Scandinavia, and from Hungary to Ireland. They all shared a common culture, with related languages, rituals, myths, literature and art. The origins of Celtic art are in the sculpture, carving and metalwork of the ancient Celtic peoples. These people dominated continental Europe and the British Isles from about 1000 BC onwards and eventually became submerged in the Roman Empire.
The Phases of Celtic Art
Halstatt 700 BC basic geometric designs
La Tene 450 BC Floral and geometric designs. Spirals arise, faces and animals are difficult to find within the art but are cleverly disguised. Examples include the Wandsworth shield, Holcomb mirror and the Battersea Shield.
Early Christian 400 AD The spiral becomes more advanced, animals and people become more structured. Towards the end of this era there is an appearance of interlace, which becomes a strong identity of Celtic artwork. For example the book of Durrow...