|
Claddagh
Rings
Celtic
Wedding Rings
Celtic
Crosses
Heraldic
Rings
Information Resources
Claddagh
History
Claddagh
History 2
Hallmark
Stamp
Celtic
Cross of Moone
Celtic
Cross of Muiredach
Celtic
Cross of Scriptures
Celtic
Cross of Ardboe
Celtic
Cross of Drumcliffe
Celtic
Cross of Durrow
Celtic
Cross of Duleek
Celtic
Cross of Carndonagh
Celtic
Cross of Ahenny
Celtic
Cross of Kells
Celtic
Cross of Iona
Celtic
Cross of Cashel
|
Celtic
Cross of Ardboe
The beautifully carved high crosses of early Christian times are
unique to Ireland and Britain and are famous through Europe. The
finest of them are the Scripture Crosses which tell the Bible story
in a series of detailed panels. The fullest series of scenes is
on the tall cross at Ardboe in Tyrone, on the west shore of Lough
Neagh, not far from Coagh.
The cross at Ardboe is unusually tall, standing some 5.6 metres
high. It is profusely decorated by abstract designs and a series
of figure sculptures which are treated with exceptional detail and
fullness. The balance between form and decoration; between ornament
and narrative; and the delicate execution of the abstract design,
contrasting with the robust and lively realism of the figure sculpture,
all combine to set this cross amongst the most distinguished of
the Irish monuments. The East face is distinct, though shadowed
for most of the morning by a nearby tree, and has Daniel between
two rampant lions, the Sacrifice of Isaac, the Children in the Fiery
Furnace, Adam and Eve, two souls in scales above the flames of Hell
(as at Monasterboice) and, surrounding Christ in Judgement, the
Twelve Apostle in groups of four - the heads of which are not unlike
those on the late Romanesque door at Clonfert, Co. Galway - repeating
the arrangement on the N. Cross at Castledermot. The South side
has old Testament scenes including Cain and Abel, and scenes from
the life of David, including David with an open sling before Goliath
on his knees, as at Monasterboice.
The North side has New Testament scenes, including the Baptism
of Christ at the bottom, and a child held between soldiers, representing
the Massacre of the Innocents.
The West face also has New Testament scenes, including the Adoration
of the Magi; the Last Supper; Christ entering Jerusalem; the Arrest
of Christ; and the Crucifixion. The scene of the Arrest appears
to be repeated on each arm of the cross. This cross is one of the
most beautifully sited of all the High Crosses of Ireland ...down
a narrow road, it stands majestic, overlooking the ruins of a church
and beside a graveyard which runs down to the shores of Lough Neagh
- the largest lake in Ireland; nearby there is a "wishing tree"
- altogether a lovely place to visit on a summer's day. One can
imagine the celebrations that must have taken place on the day this
great cross was placed in position.
Celtic
Cross of Ardboe replica cross in gold or silver
More
Celtic Cross Jewelry
|
