Crucifixion plaque

The National Monuments Service's description

In the exterior face of the W wall of the S transept of a church (MA-88-144001-).
This 17th-century rectangular crucifixion plaque is set into a recess framed by a cut-stone limestone surround, immediately to N of the mullioned window of the S transept. It is carved on a rectangular limestone slab (L 0.47m; H 0.6m) with a raised moulded edge. It features three figures, finely carved in relief. The central figure is the crucified Christ hanging on a cross. His disproportionately large hands are each pierced by a square-headed nail and the crossed feet are pieced by a single nail. He is depicted as bearded and long haired, with a twisted crown of thorns on the forehead of his tilted head, and he wears a simple loin cloth, knotted at one side. He is flanked on the left (as seen by the viewer) by Mary, Mother of Christ, who is shown in profile, looking up at Christ, with her hands outstretched towards the cross. She wears a cloak over a long robe, and a disk-like halo rests on her head. On the opposite side of the cross stands another long robed figure, tall with a broad, open face looking outwards, and arms crossed at the chest. This figure is beardless, with long hair; it might represent Mary Magdalene however it seems more likely to depict St John, as a stance with crossed arms is typical of medieval depictions of St. John (Higgins 1997, 78-9). INRI is carved in relief in a small recessed section of the moulded frame above the crucifixion scene; the date 1625 is carved on a section of the frame beneath the scene.
Another crucifixion plaque (MA070144007-) is located above the W doorway of the church.

Attached images:
MA070-144006-_01
MA070-144006-_02

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 15 December 2020

References

Higgins, J. 1997 Turlough Church, Co. Mayo. Cathair na Mart. Journal of the Westport Historical Society, 17, 66-85