The Ruthwell Cross - geograph.org.uk - 939546
The cross bears pictorial carvings on all sides, some Latin texts, and Runic inscriptions that are said to be excerpts from "The Dream of the Rood", one of the earliest surviving Old English poems ("rood" is an old word for "cross").
The carvings on the north and south sides are thought to be mainly of scenes from the Gospels. The south side is seen in this photo. The crosspiece itself is a reconstruction based on conjecture; aside from that, starting from the top and working down, the carvings visible in the photo are considered by some to represent: an archer (seen shooting towards the upper right); Mary and Elizabeth meeting (two figures standing together); the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried them with her hair; and the healing of the man born blind.
There are further illustrations, not visible here because they are below floor level; the cross is too tall for the ceiling of the church, and stands in a specially-constructed pit. The north side carries similar images, while the east and west sides have vine-tracery surrounded by runes.
For another view, see: 116180.
Outside the church, an information panel on the "Ruthwell Connection" mentions that the history of the cross is closely associated with three former ministers of this parish; one of these, Henry Duncan, the restorer of this cross, also founded the Savings Bank in the village of Ruthwell, where there is a museum commemorating his life and work: 663444.Więcej informacji o licencji można znaleźć tutaj. Ostatnia aktualizacja: Sun, 21 Nov 2021 21:43:46 GMT