UNIT 9 LATE MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE AND ART (c. 1100–1550s)
Figure 27.24 The O’Dea Crosier.
Technique
The crosier has been cast in silver with areas of gold, outlined in a cast floral pattern. Enamel is used for the background colour behind the figures, and as a floral pattern along the side of the crook.
Decoration
Inside the loop of the crosier is a tiny nativity scene. Below this, little canopies shelter images of six female saints incised into metal plates on a background of enamel. Larger, more richly- decorated canopies below these house three- dimensional figurines of the Trinity, St Peter and St Paul, St Patrick, the Virgin Mary and an unknown bishop. An enamel knob below the crook has an inscription on it. The style of the crosier is Gothic, comparable with English examples from the same period.
CHAPTER 27 THE ANGLO-NORMAN PERIOD (c. 1200–1500s)
The Lislaughtin Processional Cross
Form and Function This decorated metal cross with a figure of the crucified Christ was made for the Franciscan friary at Lislaughtin, Co. Kerry (Fig. 27.25). The inscription on the cross says that Cornelius O’Connor and his wife, Avlina, had it made for the friary in 1479. It was found in 1871 by a farmer ploughing near the monastery.
Technique
The cross is made of sheet silver, which has been pierced to create areas of openwork. The Christ figure and the knob below the cross have been cast in silver, but all parts of the cross are gilded. The lozenge-shaped projections on the knob once held enamel.
