Old Testament prefigurations of New Testament events on Irish high crosses

Abstract

Abstract:Irish high crosses feature a number of clear-cut instances where Old Testament figures can be understood to prefigure events in the New Testament. Examples are cited from the North Cross at Castledermot, the Market Cross at Kells and Muiredach's Cross at Monasterboice. Two further panels are here re-interpreted as prefiguration scenes: The Fall of Jericho on the Tall Cross at Monasterboice and Joseph and the Pharaoh's Butler on the Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnoise. Acceptance of the latter interpretation implies that this cross need no longer be associated with the erection of the Cathedral at the site in 909, and could open the way to a potential dating of this and similar crosses to the late ninth century.