The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1912-07-24

IN order to appreciate the remarkable
culture expressed by the art treasures
OF these storehouses Il is necessary 10
realize that at the time that some OF
the finest OF these examples OF illumina-
ton and metal work were executed IN
Ireland, the rest OF Europe was IN
state OF barbarism. The disinteTauoh
Of tho Roman Empire had plunged the
continent into darkness In which neither
ar, nor literature could flourish. Ireland
-st on the extreme Western edge OF
Europe, isolated enough TO work out her
own forms OF art and to preserve them'
progressed until not later than the
eighth century. and, possibly. during the
seventh, there was made the wonderful
illuminated manuscript of the Gospels
che Book OF Kells. now In Trinity Col
lers Library and acknowledged by schol-
ara and artists as the finest example OF
its kind In the world.
WONDERS REVEALED IN GREAT
BOOKS PAGES.
A study OF some OF the pages OF the
great book-one page Is turned every
dAy and there are In Dublin foreign
scholars who remain for months In order
70 study the pages under their glass
coyers-is certain to impress the OBJ
server with wonder that the progress OF
centuries has not advanced art For IN
color, in form. in design. the Book or
Kelis has everything that modern iliu-
m!nation, Illustration, coloring and de-
sIgn approximates-and great deal
more. 1t In a commentary on the BOOK
and on modern art that copies made of
n less than thirty years ago and sci
CLOSE TO Il In the library already show
evidences of fading colors. while tn,
Book itself preserves unfadingly it'
splendid, softened shades OF reds and
blues, puppies and greens, yellows ant
rose.
The Book Is believed 20 have belonged
20 St. COLUMBIA, II II was not actual!
written with his own hand. and owe
its title TO the fact that for centurle
81 was preserved as the most valued
treasure OF the great Church OF Kels
the monastery of Kells having been tn
chief establishment OF the Columbian
Order In Ireland. In 1906 the book wa
stolen from the church, stripped Of IN
gold and precious stones that ornament
ed Its covers. and buried under som
sods. where It was found after fort
days and two months FISHER, Bishu
OF Meath. secured possession OF It Will
he was employed In collecting Iris
manuscripts. IL passed with MS l!orag
10 Trinity College IN 1861 The book 'oi
sists OF 23s leaves OF vellun. measur!n
twelve incaes by nine.
Nearly every great antiquarian % n
world has paid homage 90 t1c hsaui
Of the Book Of Kclls, bc'ag vc1r.mo.
in asserting that tho fctUlty 90; inys'
ton, the profound knowledge ~ Il
principles. tso practical tas'. and q
wonderful deNtcrl'y of cNreul'ol of a
Irish artists resu.tec not from the gent
of any single individual, lut from l.
emulation of various schools OF aritI
and the Improvements of several s"ner
tons. The suggestion that the hi
artists. those who producci tho Book
Kells. the Book OF Armagh and q
Book OF Durrow, also claimed 10 he
fragment of st. Columba's work, al
the other scores OF most gorgeous illui
nations took their art from any forei
source Is disproved by the internal e.
d1nce OF the work, which could not ma
been brought to such a higl stage
perfection except through centuries
SO own development, Art IN lrcla
had clearly grown through Ions pert
before the time Of 81 Patrick; ana I
early Christian hrtista GIaing she lr
ttaehed 10 and influenced lS this a
Aa09'el ana developed IL, gave 1t