Crucifixion plaque

The National Monuments Service's description

A crucifixion plaque from the abbey of Fertagh (KK008-047001-) is currently located in a niche in the N wall of the churchyard in front of the RC church in Johnstown, c. 3km to the SSW of Fertagh, where it is recorded as KK008-152003- (Killanin and Duignan 1967, 451). The limestone cross (H 0.84m; overall Wth 0.72m; Wth of cross at top 0.145; Wth of cross at base 0.1m; T of cross 0.08m) carved in high relief with a figure of Christ (projecting 0.11m from the cross). It is described by Hunt (1974, vol. 1, 180, vol. 2, plate 339) in some detail as follows, 'The body is represented in an unusual schematized and contorted style, the musculature of the arms and legs shown by angularly raised ribs with faceted planes between them, and the ribs as parallel folds across the body, the stomach as an empty triangle and the tendons of the neck similarly treated. The face has an intensely dramatic and forceful expression, with open mouth and almond-shaped eyes, rendered more poignant by the fact that the nose, evidently broken away in antiquity and replaced, has been lost leaving an oblong recess. The legs are bent at right angles at the knee and the feet cross each other diagonally while the wide-spreading perizonium of many flat angular folds falls over the girdle in front and is looped in a large knot on the left side. The figure is unique in its type, but seems to be a production of the late sixteenth century. It possibly may have formed part of a memorial, and was brought from Fertagh along with other architectural details [KK008-152002-] which were incorporated in the church, as was also the present baptismal font [KK008-152001-]'.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 25 July 2018

References

Killanin, M.M. and Duignan, M.V. 1967 (2nd ed.) The Shell guide to Ireland. London. The Ebury Press.

Hunt, J. 1974 Irish medieval figure sculpture 1200-1600, 2 vols. Dublin. Irish University Press.