The Anatomy of Germanic Art: A Quick Guide to the Styles of Nordic Animal Ornament

The lesser-known Scandinavian art styles of the Germanic Iron Age (c. 400-800 CE) leading up to the Viking Age (c. 800-1100 CE) are just as incredible as their famous descendants. This book serves as a quick but comprehensive introduction to the Nordic art of the pre-Viking Age era when the Nordic mythology and legends we know so well emerged. As such, it serves as a prequel to The Anatomy of Viking Art, but it’s much more than the origin story of Viking art. Germanic animal ornament is immensely intriguing, with its elegant interlacing patterns and ribbon animals woven into some of the most extraordinary expressions of art. However, as fascinating as it may be, it may be challenging to understand precisely how these patterns are constructed and even more difficult to recreate.

This guide breaks down the styles of Germanic Iron Age art in an easy-to-understand manner to help you quickly grasp its anatomy. Clear illustrations and graphics straightforwardly present the characteristics of each style, so you’ll be able to easily distinguish each from the others and understand how one style developed into the next. The accompanying timelines, maps, and concise historical descriptions further help you root your understanding of the styles in their historical context.