Survey Data
Reg No
50130095
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Original Use
Grave monument
In Use As
Grave monument
Date
1900 - 1910
Coordinates
314675, 237049
Date Recorded
19/07/2018
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding three-stage limestone, marble and mosaic funerary monument, erected c. 1908 in memory of Anne McCabe. Comprises rectangular base inscribed 'Mc Cabe' in relief to east face, in mosaic to west flanked by Greek crosses, and having tripartite gabled dwarf buttresses to north and south, also having mosaic crosses. Pedestal with gablets over cornice supported by red marble corner shafts with limestone clasps to middle, moulded base and foliate capitals; square-headed polished black granite inscription tablets to each face having moulded limestone architraves and chamfered reveals with red marble studs and leaf carvings; recessed frieze above, having three mosaic roundels in green, blue and gold; gablets having raked cornices, crockets with carved foliate stops enclosing carved birds, shields to each corner carved with Christian names of family; central mosaic panel to each face depicting dove with olive leaf, Agnus Dei, Eucharist and Pelican, each with carved surround; red marble stud to each apex. Round-plan three-tier top stage; first tier flanked by round-plan mini-turrets with conical tops and having pointed panels; geometric incised carving to drum over scalloped cornice; second tier has smaller drum and similar turrets to each corner; stylized Celtic cross finial with crocketed stem having polished blue stone central stud. Located in rectangular plot with limestone kerb, to east side of Glasnevin Cemetery.
Appraisal
A striking early twentieth-century funerary monument, erected in memory of Anne McCabe by her husband, and later memorializing other members of the family. The monument is a highly original composition that might be described as a freestyle blend of Gothic, Romanesque and almost Moorish elements, and is one of the most original structures in Glasnevin cemetery. The tiered composition displays a range of high-quality artisanship, including crisp stone carving, marble and mosaic work in a vivid blend of colours that stands out boldly amongst the plainer headstones that surround it. The McCabe monument is also a highly personal tribute, rich with symbolism and individual memorial touches, that speaks to the human dimension of loss. 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.