with concentric rings variously coloured. Across the middle of his body is apparently a representation of plate-armour, indicated by rows of round rivet-heads. As a representation of an Irish, or rather Celtic, warrior of the ninth century, this drawing is extremely valuable.
The other drawing in the Cottonian Manuscript, (Vitellius, F. xi.), represents David playing on the harp; and will be equally interesting to the Irish antiquary, as the earliest pictorial representation of that favourite instrument,[1] the form of which, although curious, is not very elegant. It is furnished with twelve strings, although there are only seven pegs round which they are fastened. The long plaited and curled hair, the long moustachios,[2] and the pointed beard, will be noticed, as well as the curious seat, formed of an animal with a long neck, on which the Psalmist is seated.
I consider that these drawings may be referred to the ninth or first half of the tenth century, and I think they will be regarded as very valuable in respect to their archaeological details, more especially when we consider that so few illustrations of this character exist in Ireland, of a pictorial class. I am aware, indeed, that many valuable particulars may be obtained from the sculptures of the various splendid crosses in different parts of Ireland, and I can only express my regret, in conclusion, that these highly characteristic and truly national monuments have hitherto remained unpublished. J. O. WESTWOOD.
- ↑ There is a small figure of a man playing on a harp in the carved cumdach of the Duke of Buckingham's missal.
- ↑ The Jews, in the drawing of the seizure of Christ in the Book of Kells, have the moustache and beard precisely similar; so also in the carvings on the smaller of the crosses at Monasterboice.
