Saxon

The Saxons or Saxon people were a confederation of Old Germanic tribes whose modern-day descendants in southern England are considered ethnic English. In 449 AD, a number of Saxons, along with Angles, Jutes, Frisians and possibly Franks, invaded or migrated to the island of Great Britain (Britannia), largely due to the fact that the Roman authority was on the wane. The term “Anglo-Saxon” is collectively used to describe these culturally and linguistically similar people who lived in the south and east of the island of Great Britain (a geographical area broadly corresponding to modern England) from the mid-5th century AD up to the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Anglo-Saxon art is the term that is generally applied to works of art produced within the Anglo-Saxon period of English history. Amongst the various pieces of Anglo-Saxon art, those belonging to the time of King Alfred from 9th century AD to 12th century AD, whose reign saw a revival of English culture after the end of the Viking invasions, when Romanesque art became the new movement, are of more interest. Anglo-Saxon art belonging to the time before King Alfred’s reign was largely of Hiberno-Saxon culture (fusion of Anglo-Saxon and Celtic techniques and styles). Anglo-Saxon art is best exemplified by illuminated manuscripts, but also encompasses frescos, ivory, stone, metalwork (coins), glass and enamel. Several artefacts belonging to the Anglo-Saxon period have been preserved over centuries and these are well-sought after by collectors.