A few photos from my trip to Greyfriars cemetery in Edinburgh last March where many of the old skull monuments dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s can still be found. I do love them!
Thank you. The tradition of skulls on graves faded out in the early 1800s. Prior to that it was used as a symbol of mortality and was quite popular along with things like a scythe - cutting down of life, the passage of time and death or an hourglass which is the symbol of Father Time.
The "Memento Mori" tradition of memorial imagery is one of the most significant in the history of western art. Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful images!
Awesome pics...I kind of don't understand why people use skeletons and skulls and things on their graves. I love the pictures though...
ReplyDeleteThank you. The tradition of skulls on graves faded out in the early 1800s. Prior to that it was used as a symbol of mortality and was quite popular along with things like a scythe - cutting down of life, the passage of time and death or an hourglass which is the symbol of Father Time.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Pictures!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Terri.
ReplyDeleteThe "Memento Mori" tradition of memorial imagery is one of the most significant in the history of western art. Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful images!
ReplyDelete