It is associated with Insular art, of which most surviving examples are illuminated manuscripts.
From Insular art these motifs developed into European Romanesque art.
Surviving examples of Insular art are found in metalwork, carving, but mainly in illuminated manuscripts.
They were an invention of the Insular art of the British Isles in the eighth century.
The cross is not unlike other works of Insular art where the artist has represented people in contemporary costume.
This shows characteristics typical of Insular art, but in other ways is not dissimilar to this one.
The decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs typical of Insular art.
It contains the earliest surviving carpet page in Insular art.
Other characteristics of Pictish metalwork are dotted backgrounds or designs and animal forms influenced by Insular art.
These initials were first seen in the Insular art of the early 8th century.
