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
Europe is a large peninsula conventionally considered a continent in its own right because of its great physical size and the weight of its history and traditions. Europe is also considered a subcontinent of Eurasia and it is located entirel ...
. The cross and the adjacent roofless
medieval
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire ...
parish church are in the care of
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) ( gd, Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba) is an executive non-departmental public body responsible for investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland's historic environment. HES was formed in 2015 from the mer ...
(access at all times) and are jointly a
scheduled ancient monument
In the United Kingdom, a scheduled monument is a nationally important archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change.
The various pieces of legislation that legally protect heritage assets from damage and d ...
. 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
In art, a Madonna () is a representation of Mary, either alone or with her child Jesus. These images are central icons for both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The word is (archaic). The Madonna and Child type is very prevalent ...
may be related to contemporary Marian iconography in the Mediterranean, specifically the Maria Regina which was used in Rome to refute
iconoclasm
Iconoclasm (from Greek: grc, εἰκών, lit=figure, icon, translit=eikṓn, label=none + grc, κλάω, lit=to break, translit=kláō, label=none)From grc, εἰκών + κλάω, lit=image-breaking. ''Iconoclasm'' may also be conside ...
.
See also
*
Aros Bay
Notes
External links
One site with photos
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
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