Early Irish Sculpture and the Art of the High Crosses

Download or read book Early Irish Sculpture and the Art of the High Crosses written by Roger A. Stalley and published by Paul Mellon Centre for Studies. This book was released on 2020-05-12 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An exciting new account of Irish high crosses This landmark study of Irish high crosses focuses on the carvings of an unnamed artist, the "Muiredach Master," whose monuments--completed in the early years of the 10th century--deserve a place alongside the Book of Kells as great works of their time. Drawing on a wealth of recent research, Roger Stalley describes in vivid detail how the crosses were made, where they were carved, and how they were lifted into place. His lively prose situates the works in their context, identifying patrons and exploring their motives, as well as venturing to understand what the crosses may have meant to those who gazed at them a millennium ago. In doing so, Stalley rejects preconceived notions about the imagery of the crosses, including the extent to which they were inspired by images from abroad.