Survey Data
Reg No
50130077
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic, Historical
Original Use
Grave monument
In Use As
Grave monument
Date
1920 - 1925
Coordinates
314702, 236902
Date Recorded
21/06/2018
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding limestone funerary monument, erected c. 1922, comprising ornately carved Celtic cross rising from shallow base over tapered pedestal having shallow vertical rectangular base. Base has rectangular panels with Celtic interlace and plain surrounds; pedestal has plain panels with rope-moulded surrounds; base of cross plain except for interlaced top. Cross itself has rope-moulded corners and panelled faces, shaft at front face having figurative scenes to top and bottom with medieval dress and differently ornamented interlace panels between, upper of latter having bosses (similar on rear of shaft); interlace to rear and side faces; ringed top to front of cross bears Crucifixion to centre, interlaced bosses to terminals of cross, house-shaped shrine to top and with interlace to all surfaces of ring and cross except for inner part of ring. Panel to front of plinth bears inscription commemorating Thomas Addis Emmet. Located at perimeter of O'Connell Monument and circle of vaults at Glasnevin Cemetery.
Appraisal
A profusely detailed limestone funerary monument in the form of a Celtic cross, erected in memory of distinguished physician and medical writer, Thomas Addis Emmet (1826-1919). It was designed and sculpted by James and Willie Pearse, father and brother of Patrick Pearse, and is of high craft and artistic value. It represents a good example of the Celtic-Revival style that grew in popularity during the nineteenth century in the context of developing scholarship and nationalist sentiment. The Practically every surface is heavily decorated with interlace or figurative carving. Located on the perimeter of the circle vault surrounding the iconic O'Connell Monument, the prominence of the monument is representative of the status of Emmet, who was the grandnephew of executed patriot Robert Emmet, and a strong supporter of the nationalist cause from his home in the United States. He died in New York in 1919 at the age of 91 and, following a temporary burial in New York, in honour of his dying wishes, his remains were eventually buried at Glasnevin in 1922, in the country of his ancestors. The monument is one of many monuments of considerable architectural quality and craftsmanship within Glasnevin Cemetery. Originally known as Prospect Cemetery, the burial ground was opened in 1832 as a civic, non-denominational cemetery. It holds the graves and memorials of over one million people, including many notable citizens.