Moone High Cross, Co. Kildare, Ireland, 1999

SEPTEMBER 1999 – The Moone High Cross in Co. Kildare dates back to the 8th century and is rated as one of the most important historic high crosses in Ireland. Photo © by Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com


The story behind the image

Ireland has a long Christian history, also expressed by numerous high crosses that can be found all over the island of Ireland. The high cross is located just outside of the village Moone in Co. Kildare in the remains of an abbey and is probably the most beautiful and most important high cross. Yet, when we visited the site in 1999, it was quite difficult to find – we did not have mobile Internet with Google Maps, or convenient Satnav devices, just printed maps and descriptions from our guidebook. When we finally found it, it was a surprising experience, because it was so quiet and peaceful. Maybe two or three other tourists were there, a real difference to other, more popular places in Ireland.

This image of the Moone High Cross is rather unique, in several ways. Firstly, it could not be photographed like this today any longer. When we were at the site, the remains of the abbey consisted of just some historic stone walls – with the cross in the center. Later, a protective roof was added, blocking the free view towards the sky. Secondly, I’ve shot the image on genuine black and white negative film which was rather unusual even back in 1999. And thirdly, for this fresh scan I left the original borders of the negative in place, so you get to experience the image “as is”.


The high resolution image

Capture DateSeptember 1999
LocationCo. Kildare, Ireland
CameraCanon AE-1 Program
Image SourceILFORD b&w negative film
Digital Image SourceEPSON Perfection 4870 Photo
Digital Image Source FormatTIFF, 48 bits/pixel, sRGB
Edited Image FormatJPEG, 24 bits/pixel, sRGB
Edited Image Dimensions5024 x 7135 Pixels
Copyright© by Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com

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