3-021-685 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Tomb of Daniel O'Connell in Prospect Cemetery, Glasnevin, Dublin, 1869. 'The design consists of seven sunk and pierced panels, and a carved panel of the arms of the O'Connell family...the coffin containing the remains may be seen through the trefoil openings. In front of each of the panels rises a semicircular arch...The soffits of each arch are elaborately carved in imitation of the best examples of pure Celtic ornament. A fillet running round the outer surface of each arch serves to form a spandril...filled with interlaced serpents...The capitals are...filled...with singularly beautiful interlaced ornament - each one of different design and treatment...The table of the tomb is formed of one slab of Kilkenny marble, which projects slightly over the face of the substructure, moulded and sunk to receive a brass inscription-plate; in the centre of the slab an Irish cross is incised...The whole of the stone used is from the Coolcullen Quarry...The whole work was designed and carried out by Messrs. Earley and Powell, sculptors...from the direction and under the supervision of Mr. Daniel O'Connell...grandson of the Liberator, and of Mr. Mark S. O' Shaughnessy, who selected the best examples of Irish ornaments to be copied'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.