Reproduction of the Book of Kells by Mario Kleff

Updated: March 31, 2025

Introduction

Mario Kleff is a German designer who gained recognition in the 1990s for his detailed reproduction of the Book of Kells. His work focused on the scientific and historical aspects of manuscript illumination, employing specialized techniques to recreate the intricate details of the original folios. Kleff exhibited five handcrafted folios at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz from February 6 to April 12, 1993. This page explores his career, methods, and the significance of his work.

Image: Mario Kleff explains in an interview with the television broadcaster SWR at Marksburg the technique he used to reproduce the Book of Kells.

Kleff was the first publicly acknowledged individual in Germany to reproduce folios of the Book of Kells based on literature studies and a facsimile printed in the 1950s. Around 1993, he met Urs Düggelin, a founding member of the Swiss Facsimile Verlag, which was commissioned by Trinity College Dublin to create a color-accurate reproduction of the manuscript. A comprehensive scientific analysis of the original pigments was only conducted between 2004 and 2006 using micro-Raman spectroscopy. This method enabled a detailed identification of the dyes, leading to a nearly complete list of materials used and revising previous assumptions about the composition.

---

Early Life and Initial Studies

Mario Kleff was born on November 21, 1967, in Boppard, Germany. From 1990 to 1992, he lived in Haus Herresberg in Remagen with the permission of Countess Uta v. Bassewitz, Cornelia v. Guilleaume, and Gila Böhler. During this period, he began studying the history and techniques used in the creation of the Book of Kells. In 1992, Kleff moved to his studio in Bad Honnef, where SWR produced a documentary about his life and work. By 1997, he had relocated to Munich, where he worked as an art director in the advertising industry.

Image: Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0: Haus Herresberg (Address: Kölner Straße 9) on the Rhine River at the entrance of Taubentalbach, (residence of Mario Kleff from 1990 to 1992).

Image: Mario Kleff exhibits his pages of the Book of Kells at the Episcopal Cathedral and Diocesan Museum Trier (Museum am Dom Trier), curated by Prof. Dr. Michael Embach, visible in the background of the image (mentioned in Glanz des Mittelalters). An excerpt from Paulinus dated October 19, 1997, quotes Catherine Noyer: "A masterpiece of expression and craftsmanship." The artist and designer Mario Kleff reproduces the Book of Kells.

Image: Handcrafted page (Folio 200r: Genealogia Iesu) by Mario Kleff on calf parchment.

Exhibitions and Recognition

• Gutenberg-Museum, Mainz, 1993: Ireland and the Book of Kells – This exhibition presented five folios by Mario Kleff alongside a facsimile of the manuscript. Attendees included representatives of the Swiss Credit Institution, Dr. Adolf Wild, Urs Düggelin, and Pádraig Murphy.
• Bischöfliches Dom- und Diözesanmuseum, Trier, 1997: „Glanz des Mittelalters“. This exhibition featured hand-crafted pages of the Book of Kells by Mario Kleff, curated by Prof. Dr. Michael Embach.
• Haus am Dom, Mainz, 2001: „Irlands Book of Kells“. Kleff presented hand-drawn pages of the Book of Kells alongside facsimiles by Walter Schweizer and Urs Düggelin. His work utilized historical pigments and techniques identical to those used in the 1200-year-old manuscript.

Traveling Exhibitions

• Lampaden (2003): The newly renovated parish church in Lampaden hosted a presentation of the Book of Kells, attended by numerous art enthusiasts.
• Zell (1999): A musical journey through time featuring the Book of Kells was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church.

Recognition and Praise

Mario Kleff's work has been praised by notable figures:

• Pádraig Murphy, an Irish diplomat, recommended Kleff's work to Trinity College Dublin.
• Urs Düggelin, a leading expert in facsimile reproduction, acknowledged Kleff's contributions to manuscript art.
• Canon Prelate Prof. DDr. Franz Ronig, a Roman Catholic priest and art historian, supported Kleff's work alongside Heinrich Bodo Lentzen-Deis.

Media Presence

Kleff's efforts were documented and broadcast on television:

• Broadcaster SWR (1993): Filmed an interview with Kleff in his studio in Bad Honnef and at Marksburg Castle above Braubach.
• Broadcaster RTL (1992): Featured Kleff presenting his scriptorium and the *Book of Kells* at medieval markets.

Image: Mario Kleff, filmed at Marksburg during his work on the Book of Kells.

Image: On the left, Mario Kleff's 1993 reproduction Christus Rex (freehand drawing), and on the right, the original page from the Book of Kells.

Questions and Answers

What inspired Mario Kleff to undertake the reproduction of the Book of Kells?

Mario Kleff was inspired by his deep interest in historical manuscripts and the techniques used to create them. His fascination with the Book of Kells began in the early 1990s when he began studying the manuscript's artistic and historical significance. He was particularly intrigued by the intricate designs and the medieval methods used to produce such a masterpiece, leading him to reproduce the folios using historically accurate techniques.

How did Mario Kleff ensure the authenticity of his reproduction of the Book of Kells?

Kleff focused on achieving authenticity by using medieval techniques. He carefully studied the manuscript's pigments and materials, even before the scientific analysis of the original pigments was conducted. By preparing his own pigments, manually treating calf parchment, and adapting a modern steel nib for precise lines, Kleff was able to faithfully replicate the original designs. His dedication to detail and historical accuracy earned him recognition as a leading figure in manuscript reproduction.

What specific techniques did Mario Kleff use in his reproduction work?

Mario Kleff utilized various medieval techniques for his reproduction of the Book of Kells. He prepared historical pigments using natural sources and applied them to calf parchment, similar to the materials used in the original manuscript. He also experimented with different writing tools, ultimately modifying a steel nib to achieve the fine, precise lines characteristic of the manuscript's intricate designs. His process involved careful craftsmanship, with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.

Which folios from the Book of Kells were reproduced by Mario Kleff?

Mario Kleff reproduced several important folios from the Book of Kells, including Folio 5r 'Eusebius' Kanones,' Folio 7v 'Maria Virgo et Puer Iesus,' Folio 19v 'Propheta Zacharias,' and Folio 183v 'Et crucifixerunt eum,' among others. These folios were displayed in various exhibitions, showcasing Kleff's skill and dedication to faithfully recreating the manuscript's intricate artwork and calligraphy.

What recognition did Mario Kleff receive for his reproduction of the Book of Kells?

Mario Kleff's reproduction work has been widely recognized and praised by scholars and experts in the field of manuscript studies. Notable figures such as Pádraig Murphy, an Irish diplomat, and Urs Düggelin, a leading expert in facsimile reproduction, have acknowledged his contributions to manuscript art. Kleff's work has been featured in prominent exhibitions and media broadcasts, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in historical manuscript reproduction.

More Informationen about Mario Kleff

• Personal details and references about Mario Kleff.
• Mario Kleff about Architect, Designer and License.
• Mario Kleff Signature and Trademark Architecture Explained.
• Architecture: Design and Permits from Mario Kleff.
• Transforming a Name into Architecture: Mario Kleff FAQ.