Kildalton Cross
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8e/KildaltonCross-Islay-Scotland-1987-1.jpg/220px-KildaltonCross-Islay-Scotland-1987-1.jpg)
The Kildalton Cross is a monolithic high cross in Celtic cross form in the churchyard of the former parish church of Kildalton (from Scottish Gaelic Cill Daltain, "Church of the Foster Son" (i.e. St John the Evangelist) on the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. It was carved probably in the second half of the 8th century AD, and is closely related to crosses of similar date on Iona. It is often considered the finest surviving Celtic cross in Scotland, and is certainly one of the most perfect monuments of its date to survive in western Europe. The cross and the adjacent roofless medieval parish church are in the care of Historic Environment Scotland (access at all times) and are jointly a scheduled ancient monument.[1] A simpler cross of late medieval date stands nearby.
Ornament[]
The Kildalton Cross features an iconic image of the Virgin and Child, which is closely related to similar Virgin and Child iconography found on St. Martin's Cross and St. Oran's Cross at Iona. In addition, this panel displays similarities with folio 7v in the Book of Kells. This type of iconography of the Virgin and Child may be related to contemporary Marian iconography in the Mediterranean, specifically the Maria Regina which was used in Rome to refute iconoclasm.[2]
See also[]
Notes[]
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Kildalton Church, church, High Cross, and cross 60m NE of (SM13236)". Retrieved 25 February 2019.
- ^ Humphrey, Hayley (2012). Representations of the Virgin Mary on Irish High Crosses: Icons, Narratives and Symbols of Power (PDF). Galway, Ireland: National University of Ireland, Galway.
External links[]
- Islay
- Archaeology of Scotland
- High crosses in Scotland
- Culture of medieval Scotland
- Monuments and memorials in Scotland
- Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Argyll and Bute
- Outdoor sculptures in Scotland
- Monumental crosses in Scotland
- Historic Scotland properties in Argyll and Bute
- Virgin Mary in art
- Jesus in art
- Wayside crosses
- Stone crosses in the United Kingdom
- Celtic crosses
- Argyll and Bute geography stubs