Celtic cross art – Prints at Imagekind.
The Celtic cross, originally known as a High Cross, is a standing cross, carved
of stone with a ring that encircles the center point of the cross. In present day,
the circle of the Celtic cross gives it its distinct image and shape but was most
likely created to help give support to the cross by strengthening the head and arms
of the cross. The ringed cross makes Celtic cross art distinguishable and a prominent
form of art that not only contains the stone cross itself, but the elaborately etched
images on the cross. Celtic cross art balances the general carving of the cross
itself with detailed and elaborate carvings on the cross.
The carvings on this piece of
Celtic
art vary from elaborate and complex weaved patterns to detailed images of
Biblical scenes. Some of the Biblical scenes included on some of the most famous
Celtic crosses contain images of Jesus and Bishops as well as specific Biblical
scenes such as The Fall with Adam and Eve under the tree of the knowledge of Good
and Evil. Others include images of animals and elaborate geometric designs. The
reasons behind erecting a Celtic cross vary a bit but are generally understood as
status symbols.
Though the ring is most easily explained as providing support and strength to the
perpendicular cross sections, there are several symbolic interpretations as to what
the circle stands for. When viewing Celtic cross art it is important to keep some
of these ideas and interpretations in mind. One of the more notable interpretations
of the ring’s purpose is to symbolize God’s eternal love for humanity as displayed
through Christ, emphasized by the unending nature of the ring. Another such interpretation
of why the ring exists comes from a legend where St. Patrick actually drew the cross
in the midst of a circle. The circle was one he saw on a sacred stone that represented
the moon goddess, thus, like Paul on Mars Hill, taking pagan symbols and worship
practices and providing their true meaning.
Celtic cross art is a fascinating form of artwork that combines the rugged features
of natural resources such as wood, stone and metal with complex, intricate and beautiful
designs. The natural materials give the art a rustic look common to Irish sentiments
of stone cliffs and green expansive fields. Celtic cross art is a true encapsulation
of the spirit and naturalness of Ireland and the Celtic people.