CHARACTERISTICS OF IRISH ART:
The chief characteristics of Irish art are:
1. A symmetrical interlacement of a band or bands into a variety of patterns.
2. The graceful divergence of lines into trumpet forms.
3. The coiling of one or two very fine lines into mysterious spirals a lengthened examination of which has a weirdly fascinating effect on the eye.
4. A total disregard for the comforts of animal life, the bodies and members being twisted and distorted to suit the convenience of the artist.
5. The human figure is frequently introduced, but it is subjected to the rigidity of the curved lines noticeable in the interlacings and spirals. Herein Irish art, which is primarily ornamental, differs from classic art, which is representative. The Irish artist aimed at symmetry and hence the right side of the face is generally a reproduction of the left.
6. In nearly all the art of the period under consideration the ground is divided into panels, or geometrical compartments—an arrangement whereby the artist whether working on vellum, metal, leather or stone was free to introduce any of the foregoing characteristics without marring the harmony and uniformity of the design.[445]
Irish art attained its highest excellence in four branches, namely, writing and illumination of manuscripts, metal work and stone carving. In a previous chapter were discussed the characteristics of the Irish style of handwriting and the part played by the monastic schools in its development so we pass on to consider the other three departments of art work.