Shrine of O'Donnell, Cathach or Battler
A book shrine carved with Christ enthroned, a Crucifixion and a bishop, set with crystals: a replica of the O'Donnell family's psalter shrine carried into battle. Full commentary ↓
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Shrine of O'Donnell, Cathach or Battler is a stone object by an unknown maker (early 20th century (original dated 1084)) in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It measures 21.0 × 6.7 × 25.9 cm.
In the pictureThere is a relief on the front of a silvery rectangular box. In the center is Christ seated on a throne, on the left a bishop holding a crozier, and on the right a Crucifixion scene; large crystals are set at the four corners and along the top. A band of animal ornament runs along the bottom edge, and a small bell hangs at the left.
Background"Cathach" means "battler," a name that comes from the O'Donnell family's belief that if they carried into battle a psalter manuscript said to have been written by Saint Columba in the 6th century, kept in this box, they would win. The original box was made in 1084, and this replica dates from the early 20th century. Carving Christ enthroned, a bishop and the Crucifixion on a single face is a typical composition of Irish Romanesque art.
Puzzle tipThe four corner pieces set with crystals form the framework. Fit the pieces with Christ in the center and the figures on either side, and finish with the band of animal ornament at the bottom. Place the silvery relief pieces by the silhouettes of the figures. 100 pieces works well.
- Culture
- Irish
- Classification
- Reproductions-Metalwork
- Medium
- Bronze, plated, gem stones
- Dimensions
- 21.0 x 6.7 x 25.9 cm
- Credit line
- Rogers Fund, 1908
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art ↗
Stories about this work
- Why Did the Museum Buy Reproductions of Irish Reliquaries?
The Irish shrines and croziers on this site are not originals but reproductions made in the early 20th century. Why reproductions entered the museum, and tips for solving them as puzzles.
