The Art of the Picts: Sculpture and Metalwork in Early Medieval Scotland

by George Henderson

Other authorsIsabel Henderson
Paperback, 2011

Status

Available

Call number

709.41109021

Collection

Publication

Thames & Hudson (2011), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 256 pages

Description

Drawing on their extensive research and expertise, renowned historians George and Isabel Henderson illuminate one of the great enigmas of medieval art: the unique metalwork and sculpture of the Picts. Tribal Celtic-speaking warriors and farmers in what is now Scotland, the Picts were one of the major peoples of early medieval Britain, but their culture and their beautiful art have puzzled historians for centuries.George and Isabel Henderson's acute analysis reveals an art form that both interacted with the currents of "Insular" art and was produced by a sophisticated society capable of sustaining large-scale art programs. The illustrations include specially commissioned drawings that help one understand the mysterious symbols found in the art.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member eithni
Fantastic overview of Pictish Art! Great pictures and citations. Insightful commentary.
LibraryThing member dylkit
Isabel Henderson is the co-author of this book, but she seems to have been left off in the Goodreads description.

A well written thesis of why Pictish art is Insular rather than "insular". It draws together many threads to put the Picts into the bigger picture of early medieval Europe.
LibraryThing member kgreply
"Fantastic overview of Pictish Art! Great pictures and citations. Insightful commentary."

"A well written thesis of why Pictish art is Insular rather than "insular". It draws together many threads to put the Picts into the bigger picture of early medieval Europe. "
LibraryThing member antiquary
I bought this book because it was recommended by my teacher in a class on the Picts. Its main focus is carved stones, I suppose because relatively little good metalwork survives from this culture. There are any good photos of the carved stones, though they are rather drab grays, not as colorful as
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your average art book. The PIctish stonework is famous and the meaning of its designs is much debated,
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Language

Original publication date

2004

Physical description

256 p.; 8.7 inches

ISBN

0500289638 / 9780500289631
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