CELTIC CROSS III $40.00 Lino Block parchment paper 9" x 12" Actual Image Size Copyright 2001 Michael Carroll         Please note: the images shown here are scanned while the actual artworks are printed with crisp detail and brilliant color.

The hallmark feature of the ancient Celtic stone cross is its prominent ring. The wheel cross developed its particular shape over the centuries, beginning with the XPI or Chi Rho symbol (X and P are the first two letters of the name of Christ in Greek), which was often drawn within a circle. Over the centuries the P disappeared as the X and I were merged  to form the horizontal arms of the cross.

The earliest stone crosses were simple flat slabs on which the cross was carved in relief.  Later on, the artists began to drill the holes all the way through the stone,  creating an open lattice. Eventually the cross itself was liberated  from the rock background and became a freestanding monument. The ring or wheel shape proved to be as useful as it was decorative: the rings helped bear the weight of the cross' heavy arms.

CELTIC CROSS III is an original design by Michael Carroll, done in the style of the ancients. It is not copied from any ancient cross, but could be classified as a Type I Celtic cross, the oldest type which contains no Biblical scenes or human figures, but only pure knotwork and spiral decoration.

CELTIC CROSS III is an open edition print, and was designed, transferred to screen and printed entirely by hand. Each print is unique, the parchment paper treated with gouache by the artist to create an aged appearance.

Original Artwork created in the style of the ancient Celts
Hand treated paper recreates the look of antique parchment
Hand-printed and signed by the artist