A liturgical interpretation of the Bewcastle Cross
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Date
1987-04-30
Authors
Ó Carragáin, Éamonn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
D. S. Brewer
Published Version
Abstract
The present paper argues that the Northumbrian liturgy of the late seventh and early eighth centuries provides contexts within which the coherence of the Bewcastle Cross can begin to be appreciated. The Bewcastle monument is remarkable in its unstrained beauty. Compared with it, the Ruthwell Cross (erected by the same school of sculptors some thirty miles to the west) seems somewhat crowded, as though its designer wished to use every inch of surface to elaborate the theological ideas which preoccupied him. [1] The primary impression the Bewcastle Cross makes is one of balance: balance between the design of the two broad sides; between the two narrow sides (based on a different design principle from that of the broad sides); and between the three related figural panels on the broad west side.
Description
Keywords
Bewcastle Cross , Ruthwell Cross , Anglo-Saxon studies , Northumbria , Liturgy
Citation
Ó Carragáin, É. (1987) ‘A Liturgical Interpretation of the Bewcastle Cross', in Stokes, M. and Burton, T. L. (eds.), Medieval Literature and Antiquities: Studies in honour of Basil Cottle, Cambridge: Brewer, pp. 15-42. isbn: 085991237X
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Copyright
© Contributors 1987