Male Angels

Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleums, Indianapolis, Indiana

Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleums, Indianapolis, Indiana

Most angels depicted in sculpture in cemeteries are female.  There is the occasional St. Michael, standing tall clothed in armor and carrying a sword to fight Satan’s hordes.

Mount Olivet Cemetery at Nashville, Tennessee.

Mount Olivet Cemetery at Nashville, Tennessee.

But the male angel depicted in the Mount Olivet Cemetery at Nashville is not St. Michael.  The angle is kneeling while holding what looks like a small box or stone.  The angel is looking upward.

The monument marks the grave of John Reeves (1862-1921) and his wife Henrietta (1871-1968).  The symbolism is a mystery to this blogger.  Any guesses?

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2 Responses to Male Angels

  1. Erik says:

    what is that on his belt buckle? was this exactly in mount oliviet? or in the Calvary catholic section?

    • This monument is in the Mt Olivet section. The angel’s belt buckle has a scarab beetle on it, which is an ancient Egyptian motif that symbolizes renewal of life. Given the headdress of the angel and the scarab, this monument definitely has an Egyptian influence.

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