Category Archives: Symbolism

Death’s dusky hand

Posted on January 8, 2015 by gravelyspeaking

Andrew Erkenbrecher July 4, 1821 January 3, 1885 Andrew Erkenbrecher was a German immigrant who came to America with his parents when he was a child.  He was quite industrious and worked in a series of jobs until he founded … Continue reading →

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Light the Way

Posted on January 5, 2015 by gravelyspeaking

The door as a motif in funerary art symbolizes mystery.  The door is the pathway from the earthly realm to the next.  In this example, the mystery seems to be lifted—here the mourning figure appears to leading the way to … Continue reading →

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The Anchor and the Cross

Posted on January 1, 2015 by gravelyspeaking

Often when found on a gravestone, the anchor represents an ancient Christian symbol. Early Christians used the symbol in catacomb burials beneath the city of Rome.  There it was used as a disguised cross.  The anchor also served as a … Continue reading →

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Worldly Achievement

Posted on December 26, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

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 →

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Disguise

Posted on December 23, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

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 →

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Slight Variations on a Theme: The Door

Posted on December 20, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

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 →

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Sacred Heart

Posted on December 18, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

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 →

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The Legend of St. George

Posted on December 14, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

  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 →

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Tiffany and Company, Part II

Posted on December 11, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

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 →

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Tiffany and Company

Posted on December 7, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

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 →

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