The ‘robed Christ’ in pre-Conquest sculptures of the Crucifixion
Elizabeth Coatsworth
In the nineteenth century, John Romilly Allen confidently claimed that iconography of Crucifixion with robed or ‘fully draped’ Christ was a phenomenon Celtic art, found in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, distinguishable from ‘Saxon’ type which wore loin-cloth. Other features Saxon were presence sun moon above arms cross, instead angels as Ireland; figures Virgin St at foot without spear- sponge-bearers, latter pair appearing only exceptionally Alnmouth, Northumberland; Aycliffe, County Durham; Bradbourne, Derbyshire. Clearly two different versions identified this analysis, but no attempt made to clarify chronological relationship between examples cited, geographical distribution small number considered. Allen's confidence distinguishing ‘Celt’ on basis art styles, even for pre-Viking period, is not always shared today, continuing discussion origins several important manuscripts shows. The terms ‘Insular’ ‘Hiberno-Saxon’ used describe much sixth century eighth underline die perceived difficulties.
Anglo-Saxon England