St. John’s Crucifixion Plaque One of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion in Irish art, this gilt and bronze plaque from the late seventh or early eighth century shows Christ flanked by two Roman soldiers while angels hover overhead, with the figures decorated with swirls and interlace. Made by hammering a bronze sheet from behind, the plaque might have originally been on a book cover, wooden cross, or panel in a shrine.