Detail of front panel of Sarcophagus.
B 19447 CN
Description Detail of front panel of Sarcophagus.
Date 1991
Catalogue Number B 19447 CN
Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images
Copies SC 341082, G 83792 CS
Scope and Content Sarcophagus in St Andrews Cathedral Museum, Fife This carved stone coffin or sarcophagus was found in 1833, buried near St Rule's tower. It may have contained relics of a saint or was perhaps a royal tomb. Dating to c.750 AD, it is one of the most accomplished pieces of Pictish sculpture to survive. This front panel depicts scenes from the Biblical life of David. The large figure is David rending the jaws of the lion. In the centre he is on horseback with his falcon defending his sheep. The carvings include exotic animals such as monkeys. The treatment of the figures shows Mediterranean influence. Comparisons have been made with decorative details in the Book of Kells, the Rothbury Cross in Northumberland and the Anglo-Saxon sculpture of Mercia. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/99716
Attribution: © RCAHMS
You may: copy, display, store and make derivative works [eg documents] solely for licensed personal use at home or solely for licensed educational institution use by staff and students on a secure intranet.
Under these conditions: Display Attribution, No Commercial Use or Sale, No Public Distribution [eg by hand, email, web]