6 yellows in the 8 circled cross - tcd
TRANSCRIPT
The eight-circled cross page in the Book of Kells ( folio 33r ) features a highly
structured and decorative geometric design with two conjoined crosses.
The edges of these twin crosses are adorned by circles, eight in total, which
are thought to reference Christ’s death and Resurrection on the eighth day
of the Passion.
The brilliant yellow that lines
the eight-circled cross was
created from orpiment, an
arsenic sulphide that is
incredibly toxic.
The orpiment would have
shone like gold on the page
when it was first applied. It still
retains its vibrant yellow colour
1,200 years later.
Fact Sheet: 6 Yellows in the
8 Circled Cross
Design Detail
The eight-circle cross page consists of minute,
interwoven details referencing both geometric and
natural forms. When you look closely at the designs
you can see a multitude of yellow snakes weaving
throughout it.