Viking Designs

by A.G. Smith

The legendary Vikings of Scandinavia were among the most dynamic peoples of Europe. Throughout the Viking age (c. A.D. 800–100 ), the vibrancy and aggressive energy of this culture found expression in the bold, often fantastic designs of its art. The royalty-free collection contains over 175 of these designs, adapted from authentic images originating in the metalwork, woodwork, textiles, stone and bone carvings, and ceramics of the Viking homelands of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as the lands they colonized: Iceland, northern Scotland, the Isle of Man, Ireland, and others. Motifs include sinuously intertwining patterns reminiscent of Celtic art, real and mythological animals, dragon-slaying heroes on horseback, "gripping beasts," and many more, all exuding a sense of power and confidence. Whether you're an artist, illustrator or craftsperson, or simply an admirer of dramatic, eye-catching design, this convenient, inexpensive volume will provide a handy source of inspiration, as well as striking embellishment for a host of graphic projects.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Design, Reference, Art History, History

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 1999

Reviews

[Lila Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice reference of some of the art and motifs from the viking age. I particularly liked the referencing to what the designs were used to decorate (e.g. bedposts, stones, hilts, etc). There was also a neat summary of the art styles in the introduction, though I would have liked to seen these more frequently referred to in relation to the individual images.

[Cwn_annwn_13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much to read as this is an art book but this is a nice collection of Norse designs and art taken from rune stones, metal and wood work.

4 out of 5 stars.

[Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thin volume on Viking design. Black and white illustrations. Small intro with some information of the styles. Small amount of information on each page. The designs do not appear to be in chronological order, so you have to work it out for yourself which historical style they are.
Better information on Viking design styles can be found on Wikipedia and for design, half an hour on Pinterest will yield far more interesting results.