# Muiredach's High Cross [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [PRE-ROMANESQUE SCULPTOR, Irish]() - Date: 0901-0950 - Technique: Sandstone, height 5,8 m ## Commentary Muiredach's High Cross \(also called South Cross\) is a high cross from the early 10th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland. There are two other high crosses at Monasterboice \(North and West Crosses\). Irish high crosses are internationally recognised icons of early medieval Ireland. They are usually found on early church sites and can be either plain or decorated. High crosses served a variety of functions including, liturgical, ceremonial, and symbolic uses. The "greatest", or "classic", Irish high crosses can be found at Durrow Abbey, the Abbey of Kells, and at Monasterboice. Muiredach's cross, named after an abbot of the monastery or a king of the territory, has been described as the most beautiful specimen of Celtic stonework now in existence; and the crosses at Monasterboice have been stated to be Ireland's greatest contribution to European sculpture. The cross is divided into panels which are decorated with carvings, mostly with biblical subjects. Some pieces feature geometric shapes and interlace ornaments. ## Related artworks - [Ahenny High Cross]() - [Ahenny High Crosses]() - [Ahenny High Crosses]() - [Cross of Scriptures]() - [Cross of Scriptures]() - [Moone High Cross \(detail\)]() - [Moone High Cross \(detail\)]() - [Moone High Cross]() - [Moone High Cross]() - [Muiredach's High Cross]() - [North Cross]() - [North Cross]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()