The John the Baptist Panel on the Ruthwell Cross
George Henderson
The paper brings forward new arguments in support of the traditional interpretation figure carrying lamb on Ruthwell Cross as John Baptist, an challenged a recently published by Paul Meyvaert. present sees connecting logic choice subjects obverse cross, illustrating man's salvation through Christ. "Flight into Egypt" is reinterpreted symbolic "coming out Egypt," and principal panel, Christ beasts, recognized image Sacraments, integrating Old New Testament references. In this reading overall program presence Baptist shown to be intelligible indeed necessary. Furthermore, number specific features disputed panel are seen consistent with Bede's Homilies theme Baptist. view impressive emphasis it seems not improbable that his role Christ's precursor should feature conspicuously Northumbrian religious art period.
Gesta