MARGARET L. GAFF 1829 – 1916

JOHN H. GAFF 1820 — 1879

The two statues in this blog post found in the Spring Grove Cemetery at Cincinnati, Ohio, are atop rose-colored columns of soaring heights,  resting on square plinths.  They are stylistically similar, both dressed in classical robes, but made of different materials. They both are also representations of the allegorical figure of Hope.

Hope is most often portrayed as a standing woman, leaning against or holding an anchor.  In the example above, the allegorical figure of Hope, carved in a light gray granite, is holding the top of the anchor with one hand and clutches a wreath, the symbol of victory over death, in the other.

The anchor is an ancient Christian symbol that has been found in early catacomb burials.  The anchor was used by early Christians as a disguised cross.  The anchor also served as a symbol of Christ and his anchoring influence in the lives of Christians.  Just as an anchor does not let a moored boat drift, the anchoring influence of Christ does not allow the Christian life to drift.

The bronze statue below also holds the anchor with one hand, but with the other, she holds a sprig of roses, the symbol of romantic love.

IN MEMORY OF

JAMES C. C. HOLENSHADE

BORN MAY 12, 1826

DIED JAN. 9, 1876

AGED 47 YEARS 6 MONTHS

THANKS BE UNTO GOD WHO GIVETH US THE

VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

HANNAH AMELIA HOLENSHADE

BORN MAY 28, 1828

DIED SEPT. 18, 1892

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE