The art of the Book of Deer

Abstract

This paper explores the iconography and style of the illuminations in the 10th-century Book of Deer (Cambridge Univ Lib Ii 6.32). Although in format and general appearance the book conforms to a group of Irish pocket gospels, it is possible that the book was produced in Scotland, with Deer Abbey being the most likely location. On f4v a sword of Anglo-Saxon or Viking type is depicted. The implications of this are examined in terms of surviving artefacts and other manuscript depictions.