medieval-atlas/events-to-about-850/54

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Pictish monuments The map shows the find Spols of dressed slabs carved in relief bearing on one side a fuil·length decorated cross and on the other Piclish symbols. Animal ornament surrounds the cross. The symbols accompany figurati ve scenes many of which depict hunting on horseback. The best known scene is the unique three-tier battle scene on the back of the cross slab in Abcrlemno churchyard in Angus. Because of technical and decorative connections it is agreed that the Picts leamed to cut and carve stone in relief from Nonhumbrian masons and sculptors some time in the eighth century. Towards the end of the century the Picts were carving ambitious monuments in high relief. The finest of these closely resemble the free-standing crosses of the Iona school of sculptors. and both seL'iofmonumenLS have links with the art ofthe Book of Kells. This phase of Piclish sculpture provides evidence for widespread patronage by Christian Piels and for artistic contacts with Iona, Ireland, and England. north and south of the Humber. The map shows the distribution of some of the sculplUre in north Britain. demonSl!1ning these links. ~

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