Monthly Archives: December 2014

Temple of Love

PRESTON POPE SATTERWHITE SEPTEMBER 28TH 1867 DECEMBER 27TH 1948 BUT THANKS BE TO GOD WHICH GIVETH US THE VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST   FLORENCE BROKAW SATTERWHITE NOVEMBER 1ST 1857 MAY 1ST 1927 HER WAYS ARE WAYS OF PLEASANTNESS … Continue reading

Posted in Famous graves | Leave a comment

Collapsed Dancer

MY BELOVED HUSBAND VERNON CASTLE BLYTH BORN MAY 2, 1887 WAS KILLED FEB. 15, 1918 IN THE SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY CROIX DE GUERRE   IRENE CASTLE MCLAUGHLIN ENZINGER HUMANITARIAN BORN APRIL 7, 1893 DIED JANUARY 25, 1969 Vernon and … Continue reading

Posted in Famous graves, Saving Graces | 4 Comments

Worldly Achievement

The modern Romanesque mausoleum in the Rosehill Cemetery at Chicago has carved on it the laurel leaf. The vine starts half way up the rounded arch and leads to the top of the mausoleum where it culminates in a square … Continue reading

Posted in Mausoleums, Symbolism | Leave a comment

Disguise

On this plain rounded-top white marble tablet in the Springhill Cemetery at Nashville, Tennessee, the anchor cross is carved into the oval inset at the top of the gravestone. The anchor cross is an ancient Christian symbol that has been … Continue reading

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

Slight Variations on a Theme: The Door

The door as a motif in funerary art symbolizes mystery.  The door is the pathway from the earthly realm to the next.  In all five examples from mausoleum doors, a mourning figure waits at the door.  In some cases her … Continue reading

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

Sacred Heart

In the late Seventeenth Century, a humble French nun, Marguerite Marie Alacoque (1747 to 1790), had a vision of a conversation with Jesus Christ. In her vision, Jesus reminded the young woman of her vow, given upon a sick bed … Continue reading

Posted in Symbolism, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Legend of St. George

  This metal applique to a gravestone in the Montrose Cemetery at Chicago, Illinois, depicts St. George, one of the most popular saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church, in glorious victory over the dragon. In this case, the dragon represents … Continue reading

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

Tiffany and Company, Part II

Tiffany and Company is well known for design and exquisite workmanship. That same workmanship can be seen in the memorial vase commissioned for Fanny Short Butler (1864-1930) in the Cave Hill Cemetery at Louisville, Kentucky.  Delicately carved Easter lilies adorn … Continue reading

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

Tiffany and Company

ELLEN MERRILL CUMMINGS JUNE 14 1842 – July 1 1924 EDMUND AUGUSTUS CUMMINGS NOV 29 1842 – Aug 23 1922   Started as a stationery and fancy goods store in New York City in 1837, Tiffany’s became known for creating … Continue reading

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

She Weeps

This statue in the Bohemian National Cemetery at Chicago, Illinois, is replete with rich symbolism. The mourning figure tenderly wipes her eye with the corner of the funeral pall in a sign of grief. She gently leans against a broken … Continue reading

Posted in Saving Graces, Symbolism | Leave a comment