Drogheda No. 1

Described and illustrated in Roe (1976): "The bowl is octagonal with eight equal sides slightly chamfered along the outer rim; the basin is circular with vertical sides and bottom sloping to the large central drain-hole, now blocked. Below the chamfered part which now seems smooth and undecorated each panel is similarly treated as a richly ornamented niche within which is an angel holding a shield on which is displayed one or more of the objects associated with the Passion and Death of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ"; these angels stand each in an Ogee arch, "some formed of twisted vine stems, others of closely pearled mouldings with the spandrils above densily filled by leafy sprays and berries in variety." Roe points out that the shallow carving and the eroded surface make the identification of the symbols difficult, perhaps, suggests Roe, because the carving was meant only as the base for painted symbols. Nonetheless Roe writes that "five of the eight devices may now be recognized. These include the Cross of Human Salvation, the Lance and Sponge shown crossed X-wise, the Three Nails in a row points down, the Ladder and a large Pincers. Of the remaining three subjects two are beyond conjecture while it is possible perhaps the third may have been the Scourges of the Flagellation." Roe points out that, besides the font at Dunsany [cf. Index entry], which has a single panel showing the 'Arma Christi', "this font is the only Irish one" showing the pseudo-heraldic representations of the Instruments of the Passion, a more common occurrance "on some English and Scottish vessels generally ascribed to the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, a dating which seems acceptable for our Irish piece." In considering the provenance of this font Roe mentions the popularity of the 'Arma Christi' representations of cult objects (broadsheets issued as 'pardons'), that no documentation of its origin has yet been found: "Locally it is believed to have come from the church of Killineer", and that there are "similarities in decorative treatment between this font and the great vessel preserved in St. Peter's" [i.e., C. of I.] that "can suggest their common workmanship as well as the probability of their provision for churches under a common administration". Described and illustrated in Pike (1989): "Outside the West door of the Church and used as Holy Water stoup stands a small Medieval, fifteenth century with no central drain, which may have come from the Augustinian Crucifers. [...] Guardian Angels holding shields stand in Ogee arches in the eight panels of this octagonal font, which may originally have been used for baptism. There is a reconstructed pedestal and base." On-site notes: NW side: demi-angel with shield, on which possibly a ladder; N side:similar angel with 3-prong morif on shield; NE side: similar angel; side cracked through; E side: similar angel; motif on shield not discernible;SE side: similar ange; pliers morif on the shield?; S side: similar angel; nails motif on the shield?; SW side: similar angel ; crucifix on the shield; W side: invisible, as it is built into the pillar.