 |
|
EIGHT CIRCLE
CROSS
$100.00
Limited Edition Lithograph
11" x 15" Actual Image Size
Copyright 1998 Michael Carroll
Please note:
the images shown here are scanned while the actual lithographs are printed with crisp
detail and brilliant color. |
|
|
|
Detail
|
|
The EIGHT-CIRCLE CROSS was the artist's second page done
on vellum, and the first purely decorative "carpet page" containing no
calligraphy whatsoever. The ancient monks designed such carpet pages to accompany the
opening words of each gospel in their illuminated manuscripts.
There is much hidden Early Christian symbolism within the panels.The Cross' eight circles
include the four main arms of the traditional cross which terminate in abstract spiral
groups, plus the four additional arms whose spirals contain the symbols of the Four
Evangelists: the Man of St. Matthew, the Calf of St. Luke, the Lion of St. Mark and the
Eagle of St. John. All of the Celts’ Seven Forms of Created Life (humans, animals,
birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and plants), are present as well.
|
The Celtic "Tree of Life" motif appears several times, often with eucharistic
vine imagery. The knotwork panels are made up of one continuous line representing
Eternity, and the spiral groups can be seen as a microcosm of the universe itself . . .
whirling, changing and regrouping, all in motion revolving around the one unmoving central
point, which is the Creator.
The EIGHT-CIRCLE CROSS was completed in May 1998. The design stage, from rough sketch to
finished ink drawing, required over 100 hours; the transfer to vellum and painting stages
required an additional 120 hours for a total of over 200 hours in the studio. The design
was laid out using the ancients’ tools: ruler, compass, and T-square; and the
finished page was inked and painted entirely with brush and goose quill pen.This original design by Michael Carroll is now available as a fine
art lithograph printed at actual size. |
Detail
|
|
Detail |
|
In order to insure the value of each print,
the plates have been destroyed and this artwork will never again be released in further
editions. Each full-color print is of a limited edition of 2200, is printed using the
highest-quality lightfast inks on 100% acid-free heavyweight paper and is hand signed and
numbered by the artist. |
Original Artwork
created in the style of the Book of Kells
Limited Edition
Lithograph of 2200
Numbered and signed by
the artist
|
