Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Celtic Manuscript Illumination Print by H. Dolmetsch, Germany ca. 1887

$276.23
£203.44
€230
CA$375.79
A$417.58
CHF 218.82
MX$5,120.88
NOK 2,790.88
SEK 2,625.55
DKK 1,750.95
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Celtic Manuscript Illumination Print by H. Dolmetsch, Germany ca. 1887 This richly detailed chromolithograph of Celtic manuscript art was created by German artist and designer Hermann Dolmetsch and originally published around 1880 in the seminal series *Ornamentenschatz* (Treasure of Ornament). The print captures the intricate beauty of Celtic manuscript illumination, drawing on the visual vocabulary of early medieval insular art as seen in masterpieces like the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels. In this composition, elaborate interlace patterns, stylized beasts, human figures, and zoomorphic initials are arranged with incredible precision and vibrant color. The palette—featuring red, green, blue, ochre, and gold tones—echoes the richly pigmented inks used by early Celtic scribes and illuminators. The oversized decorative initial that dominates the page is filled with layers of knotted ribbons, twisting animals, and geometrically ordered motifs that demonstrate the medieval Irish monks’ unparalleled skill in combining abstract form with symbolic meaning. Hermann Dolmetsch (1845–1908) was a key figure in the 19th-century German design reform movement. He was closely associated with architect and educator Gottfried Semper and contributed extensively to the ornament revival that swept through Europe in the second half of the 19th century. Dolmetsch's work in *Ornamentenschatz* sought not only to document historical styles of ornamentation from various cultures, but also to inspire contemporary artists, architects, and craftsmen with accurate, beautifully rendered historical models. This particular plate, labeled “Keltisch” (Celtic), forms part of Dolmetsch’s broader effort to chronicle the ornament of European, Islamic, and Asian cultures in a systematic and artistic manner. Each illustration was lithographically printed in Stuttgart by Verlag Jul. Hoffmann, using high-quality chromolithographic techniques, making every color a separate layer meticulously aligned. Condition Summary: This original antique print is in a good condition considering its age. The colors remain vivid, and the paper is clean with only minor age-related toning near the edges. There are no tears or losses, and the surface has been well preserved without noticeable foxing or staining. Framing Tips: To best showcase this vibrant work of decorative history, consider using a museum-grade mat in a soft cream or parchment tone to complement the background hue. A simple wood or gold-leaf frame will suit the richness of the design without overwhelming it. UV-protective glass is recommended to maintain the color intensity over time. The print also works beautifully as part of a grouped display alongside other historical ornament plates for an eclectic and scholarly wall arrangement.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13 in (33 cm)Width: 9.26 in (23.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1887
  • Condition:
    This original antique print is in a good condition considering its age. The colors remain vivid, and the paper is clean with only minor age-related toning near the edges. There are no tears or losses, and the surface has been well preserved without n.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13155-291stDibs: LU3054344896412

More From This Seller

View All
Celtic Manuscript Painting, 1887" from Ornamentenschatz by H. Dolmetsch
Located in Langweer, NL
"Celtic Manuscript Painting, 1887" from Ornamentenschatz by H. Dolmetsch Description: This print, created by Heinrich Dolmetsch, is part of the "...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

Pl. 39 Antique Print of Celtic Ornaments by Racinet (c.1890)
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Celtic - Celtique - Keltisch'. Chromolithograph of Celtic ornaments and decorative arts. This print originates from 'l'Ornement Polychrome' by Auguste Racinet. ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Pl. 52 Antique Print of Middle Ages Manuscripts Decoration by Racinet
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Middle Ages - Moyen Age - Mittel Alter'. Chromolithograph of manuscripts decoration, 8th-12th centuries ornaments. This print originates from 'l'Ornement Polyc...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Romanesque Decorative Prints by H. Dolmetsch, 1887, Manuscript and Mural Designs
Located in Langweer, NL
Romanesque Decorative Prints by H. Dolmetsch, 1890, Manuscript and Mural Designs This pair of richly colored lithographic plates by Hermann Dolmetsch, published around 1887 in Stutt...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

Pl. 65 Antique Print of Decorative Art in the Renaissance Period by Racinet, 1869
Located in Langweer, NL
Old print of decorative art in the Renaissance period. This print originates from 'L'Ornement polychrome'. A beautiful work containing about 2000 patterns of all the styles of Art ol...
Category

Antique 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Pl. 51 Antique Print of Middle Ages Manuscripts Decoration by Racinet
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Middle Ages - Moyen Age - Mittel Alter'. Chromolithograph of manuscripts decoration, France and Germany, 8th-13th centuries ornaments. This print originates fr...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Celtic, French antique 19th century Racinet art design lithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Celtic - Celtique - Keltisch' Late 19th century interior design chromolithograph, from Racinet’s ‘L’Ornement Polychrome’, 1887. Published in Paris. Albert Racinet's 'L' Ornement P...
Category

Late 19th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Celtic-Byzantine, French antique 19th century Racinet art design print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Celtic-Byzantine - Celtico-Byzantin - Keltisch-Byzantinisch' Late 19th century interior design chromolithograph, from Racinet’s ‘L’Ornement Polychrome’, 1887. Published in Paris. ...
Category

Late 19th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Middle Ages, French antique 19th century Racinet art design lithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Middle Ages - Moyen-Age - Mittel Alter' Late 19th century interior design chromolithograph, from Racinet’s ‘L’Ornement Polychrome’, 1887. Published in Paris. Albert Racinet's 'L' ...
Category

Late 19th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Middle Ages, French antique 19th century Racinet art design lithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Middle Ages - Moyen-Age - Mittel Alter' Late 19th century interior design chromolithograph, from Racinet’s ‘L’Ornement Polychrome’, 1887. Published in Paris. Albert Racinet's 'L' ...
Category

Late 19th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Decorative Motifs - Vintage Chromolithograph - Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Decorative motifs is a vintage chromolithograph realized by an anonymous artist. Good conditions. The artwork represents Decorative motifs i...
Category

Early 20th Century Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Middle Ages, French antique 19th century Racinet art design lithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Middle Ages - Moyen-Age - Mittel Alter' Late 19th century interior design chromolithograph, from Racinet’s ‘L’Ornement Polychrome’, 1887. Published in Paris. Albert Racinet's 'L' ...
Category

Late 19th Century French School Interior Prints

Materials

Lithograph