Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/150

128 alluded to in this notice, has been formed out of the black marble of the district, and, as a piece of workmanship, is rude, although well designed. The side is ornamented with a blank arcade of pointed arches, or rather of sunk panels, which appear to be of the Early English style; a quatrefoil is introduced between the springing of each arch. The angle at the head is ornamented with a column, having a simple capital, but wanting a base, whilst, at the corresponding angle at the other end, there is the commencement of a similar column, which has never been completed.

The coffin slightly lessens in height towards the foot, as measured externally, and the arches diminish both in height and width in the same proportion, so as to make the last arch almost an equilateral one. Another peculiarity in the details may also deserve notice. The quatrefoil nearest the head of the coffin is perfectly geometrical, and carefully executed, and is divided by slight diagonal lines, which connect its cusps. The next in succession is less carefully executed, and the diagonal lines are slightly indicated, whilst the succeeding quatrefoils bear evident signs of having been hastily executed, as if the sculptor became tired of his occupation: indeed throughout the whole work there is a want of care or skill in the carving, sufficient to shew that the work must have been done without knowledge or definite design. This inconsistency and imperfection in the art is curious, and characteristic of Irish mediæval remains. I have observed it in many ecclesiastical buildings, and in the tombs, crosses, or other ornamental accessories