THIS IS AN INTERESTING MEMORIAL
Rediscovering a forgotten photograph from my 2008 collection led me to the intriguing McCabe Monument in Glasnevin Cemetery. This striking early twentieth-century memorial, a heartfelt tribute to Anne McCabe by her husband, later became a resting place for other family members.
The monument's unique design stands out amidst the more traditional headstones. It's a captivating blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Moorish elements, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship in stone carving, marble, and vibrant mosaic work.
The tiered structure is rich in symbolism and personal touches, a poignant testament to love and loss. Glasnevin Cemetery, originally Prospect Cemetery, opened in 1832 as a non-denominational burial ground and now holds over a million souls, including many prominent figures.
The monument itself is a freestanding three-stage structure, crafted from limestone, marble, and mosaic. Erected around 1908, its rectangular base bears the name "McCabe" in relief on the east side and mosaic on the west, flanked by Greek crosses. Tripartite gabled dwarf buttresses adorn the north and south sides, also featuring mosaic crosses.
A pedestal with gablets, supported by red marble corner shafts with limestone clasps, features square-headed polished black granite inscription tablets on each face. Above, a recessed frieze displays three mosaic roundels in green, blue, and gold. Gablets with raked cornices and crockets enclose carved birds, while shields at each corner bear the Christian names of family members. Central mosaic panels on each face depict a dove with olive leaf, Agnus Dei, Eucharist, and Pelican.
The round-plan top stage consists of three tiers. The first tier is flanked by round mini-turrets with conical tops and pointed panels, with geometric incised carving on the drum above a scalloped cornice. The second tier features a smaller drum and similar turrets at each corner. The monument culminates in a stylised Celtic cross finial with a polished blue stone central stud.
Enclosed within a rectangular plot with a limestone kerb, the McCabe Monument graces the east side of Glasnevin Cemetery, a silent yet eloquent testament to love, loss, and remembrance.
The monument's unique design stands out amidst the more traditional headstones. It's a captivating blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Moorish elements, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship in stone carving, marble, and vibrant mosaic work.
The tiered structure is rich in symbolism and personal touches, a poignant testament to love and loss. Glasnevin Cemetery, originally Prospect Cemetery, opened in 1832 as a non-denominational burial ground and now holds over a million souls, including many prominent figures.
The monument itself is a freestanding three-stage structure, crafted from limestone, marble, and mosaic. Erected around 1908, its rectangular base bears the name "McCabe" in relief on the east side and mosaic on the west, flanked by Greek crosses. Tripartite gabled dwarf buttresses adorn the north and south sides, also featuring mosaic crosses.
A pedestal with gablets, supported by red marble corner shafts with limestone clasps, features square-headed polished black granite inscription tablets on each face. Above, a recessed frieze displays three mosaic roundels in green, blue, and gold. Gablets with raked cornices and crockets enclose carved birds, while shields at each corner bear the Christian names of family members. Central mosaic panels on each face depict a dove with olive leaf, Agnus Dei, Eucharist, and Pelican.
The round-plan top stage consists of three tiers. The first tier is flanked by round mini-turrets with conical tops and pointed panels, with geometric incised carving on the drum above a scalloped cornice. The second tier features a smaller drum and similar turrets at each corner. The monument culminates in a stylised Celtic cross finial with a polished blue stone central stud.
Enclosed within a rectangular plot with a limestone kerb, the McCabe Monument graces the east side of Glasnevin Cemetery, a silent yet eloquent testament to love, loss, and remembrance.
THIS IS AN INTERESTING MEMORIAL