Page 249 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

THE MIDLANDS  247

Ireland’s High Crosses

High crosses exist in Celtic parts of both Britain and Ireland. Yet in their profusion and
craftsmanship, Irish High Crosses are exceptional. The distinctive ringed cross has become
a symbol of Irish Christianity and is still imitated today. The beautiful High Crosses
associated with medieval monasteries were carved between the 8th and 12th centuries.
The early crosses bore only geometric motifs, but in the 9th to 10th centuries a new style
emerged when sculpted scenes from the Bible were introduced. Referred to as “sermons
in stone”, these later versions may have been used to educate the masses. In essence,
though, the High Cross was a status symbol for the monastery or a local patron.

Capstone, showing St Anthony and
St Paul meeting in the desert
Pillar stones The High Cross at
inscribed with crosses, Ahenny (see p203) is
like this 6th-century typical of 8th-century
example at Riasc (see “ornamental” crosses.
p162), were precursors These were carved
of with interlacing
patterns and
Muiredach’s Cross Tenon spirals similar to
those used in
Each face of this 10th-century Celtic metalwork
cross at Monasterboice features and jewellery.
scenes from the Bible, including
the east face seen here. The
5.8-m (19-ft) cross consists
of three blocks of sandstone
fitted to gether by means of
tenons and sockets.
The ring served a functional as
The Last Judgment well as a decorative purpose,
shows Christ in Glory providing support for the head
surrounded by a crowd and arms of the stone cross.
of resurrected souls. The Angle
devil stands on his right moulding Moses smites the rock to
clutching a pitch fork, obtain water for the Israelites.
ready to chase the
damned souls into Hell.
Adoration of
the Magi The Dysert
David struggling O’Dea Cross
with Goliath (see p193) dates
from the 1100s
and represents the
late phase of High
Cross art. It features
the figures of Christ
Socket and a bishop carved
in high relief.

Base
The Fall of Man shows Tenon
Adam and Eve beneath
an apple-laden tree,
with Cain slaying Abel
alongside. Both scenes
are frequently depicted
on Irish High Crosses.

246-247_EW_Ireland.indd 247 08/03/17 11:11 am