Irish High Crosses

Comparisons

 

       Scholars compare the Irish high crosses to other Irish stonework such as the Fahan Mura Slab. The slab has significantly less detail than the high crosses, and its shape is not appealing like a cross. Some scholars compare the Irish high crosses to the Book of Kells for their similar imagery. The Book of Kells is loaded with images of scenes from the Bible, of Christian symbols, and of saints, all of which are present on high crosses by the twelfth century. Scholars further associate the designs around the text and image in the Book of Kells with the Celtic patterns found on so many of the Irish high crosses. Finally, the Irish high crosses served as a picture Bible for the illiterate just like the Book of Kells. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Background Image: John Caplis Photography: High Crosses of Clonmacnoise