ABSTRACT
The Book of Kells, fol. 114, is a rare example among early medieval Latin gospel books of a figural image positioned within the gospel text. The Book of Kells has the ‘mixed Irish text’ of the gospel, incorporating Old Latin or pre-Vulgate readings, but there is an insertion in Matthew 26:26 on this page which is not paralleled in other Insular gospel books and probably represents a liturgical reminiscence. In the Book of Kells the attendant figures are flanked by two columns ornamented with vines rising from chalices, an early Christian motif representing the eucharistic and eschatological incorporation of the faithful into Christ. The Irish Stowe Missal has the Roman canon, but one of the prayers or confessions of faith at the breaking of the bread speaks of the breaking of Christ’s body. At a critical juncture in the gospel text the image dwells on the mystery of the body of Christ, at once crucified, exalted and sacramental.
