Art History 2009 High Crosses

Q2. Describe and discuss the development of stone crosses in Ireland from the Fahan Mura Slab in Co. Donegal to the High Cross of Dysart O’ Dea in Co. Clare. Give at least three specific examples and refer in your answer to form, imagery /decoration, stone working techniques and function. Use sketches to illustrate your answer.

The Fahan Mura Slab is one of the earliest Irish crosses dating back to the seventh century. The slab had little shoulders in the place of arms, it is decorated with broad ribbon interlace and it has the only inscription in Greek seen in early Irish art.
The Dysart O'Dea Cross, Co. Clare dates back to the twelfth century and a lot of differences can be seen compared to crosses of previous centuries. It has a completely different style which show little or no carving, it no longer has a ringed wheel-head and it features Christ and a bishop underneath in high relief on the east face along the shaft of the cross. The Crosses at Ahenny, Co. Tipperary date to mid-ninth century. The north cross is 3.13m and the south cross is 3.9m high. Both of these crosses are made out of sandstone. Their shafts are shorter than usual crosses, topped with rounded capstones. Their bases are wide and sturdy and the wheel heads of both these crosses are large in comparison to the shafts. The north and the south cross are heavily influenced by metalwork crosses based on geometric ribbon or rope interlacing and large bosses in the centre on each arm of the cross. The bases of the crosses feature stylised animal and human relief sculptures. The north cross has four sculpted relief panels, one portraying Christ with three apostles facing towards him, other showing Adam surrounded by birds and animals, and another two back-to-back panels show the story of David and Goliath. The south cross is created in lower relief than the north cross. The east face of