Category Archives: Angels

Glass Angel

Posted on October 3, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

This stained-glass window from the Neo-classical Doric style Loring Family mausoleum in the Rosehill Cemetery at Chicago, Illinois, depicts an angel in contemplative prayer. The stained-glass window is ripe with Christian symbolism. It is always difficult to look at a … Continue reading →

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Rock-Faced Monuments

Posted on August 19, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

  In 1919, publisher Harry A. Bliss produced Rock-Faced Monuments: Illustrations and Descriptions of Some of the Best Examples of Rock-Faced Memorials. The book was published in Buffalo, New York. The book’s focus and purpose was to extoll the beauty … Continue reading →

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Fighting Satan’s Hordes

Posted on June 13, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

St. Michael is featured in many cemetery sculptures. Only the Archangel Michael, one of three angels mentioned by name in the Bible, is clothed in armor.  The sword he carries represents a cross but also a weapon in his war … Continue reading →

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LUX AETERNA

Posted on May 13, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

LUX AETERNA 1819 – PHILIP HOWES SEARS – 1898 1835 – SARAH PRATT SEARS – 1911 WITH THEE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE IN THY LIGHT SHALL WE SEE LIGHT When we see a winged figure in a cemetery, we … Continue reading →

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Male Angels

Posted on January 29, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

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. But the male angel depicted in the Mount Olivet Cemetery at Nashville … Continue reading →

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Victorian angels

Posted on December 27, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

  Victorians used many flowers in their funeral practices.  The body lay in state in the parlor of a home as long as four days, often without the benefit of being embalmed.  To cover the odors, Victorians filled the parlor … Continue reading →

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Angels of Glass

Posted on November 5, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

In this stained-glass window in the E.B. Cones and E.L. Patrick Mausoleum in the Crown Hill Cemetery at Indianapolis, Indiana, an array of cherubim–angels–are depicted.  Cherubim are one of nine orders or choirs of angels which are organized into three … Continue reading →

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The Black Angel and Co-eds

Posted on July 1, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

EDDIE DOLEZAL   Like a bud just opening, Commenced my life to be, But death came without mercy, without pity The Lord had sent for me. I was not granted time to bid adieu. Do not weep for me, my … Continue reading →

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The Mourning Angel and the Dove

Posted on June 19, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The Baumann Family Monument in the Forest Home Cemetery at Forest Park, Illinois, is adorned with a mourning figure that is carved into the gray granite.  In this case, the mourning figure is an angel.  The Angel’s head is bent … Continue reading →

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Visions of the Angel of Death

Posted on June 15, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

TO THE BLESSED MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED MOTHER RUTH ANNE DODGE BORN MAY 23, 1833  DIED SEPTEMBER 4, 1916 THIS MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED BY HER TWO DAUGHTERS ELLA AND ANNE “HER CHILDREN RISE UP AND CALL HER BLESSED … Continue reading →

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