6 yellows in the 8 circled cross - tcd

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.

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