GOTHIC CEMETARY STATUES

 

I love Old, Gothic Cemeteries with all the weather-stained statues standing around the moss-covered tombstones like Heavenly Guardians watching over the dead. 

I marvel at their carved features, so realistic that no matter where you stand, their eyes are looking at you. if you spoke, it is as if they could actually speak back to you. The sculpture of each tiny detail of their face, hands, and feet is fascinating, as well as every fold of their robe or gown, carved like real fabric. 

Fascinating, and yet, why are they so very creepy? Sometimes just standing near a statue is enough to send chills down your spine! I always feel both wonder and fear when I am standing in a cemetery and looking at a statue! Silly, but I fear them calling out to me or reaching out to touch me!! 

In the midst of all of the creepy feelings, I cannot forget to think about the artist and the immense talent it took to sculpt these statues with just a chisel and a rock! What great precision it must take to bring life to stone!

The Cimiteri Monumentale di Milano is located on the hillside of Stagliene of Genoa, in the district of Milano, Italy. It is one of the largest cemeteries in all of Europe. It is well known for its abundance of tombs and artistic monuments. The Oneto Family tomb houses one of my favorite statues, The Angel Monteverde, sculpted by Giulie Monteverde.

Look at those eyes!!!! 

I wonder how in the world the sculptor can make something this magnificent out of stone? The details of her face, her lips, but most especially, her eyes! Even the pupils...the definition!! How? To me, this is a great example of the human imagination and immense, creative talent...art! 

I am obsessed with her statuesque beauty and mesmerized by the details of her. She fills me with awe and yet chills me at the same time! I fear her. I cannot look at her for any length of time. So human and yet un-human!

Do you feel the same way? Show us in your artwork this week what you think about Gothic Cemetery Statues! Make them gloomy or set in a background of brilliance...it is all up to you! I can't wait to see what your Dark Imagination will guide you to create!

I also posted a page full of statues and backgrounds for you to use in your artwork! How will you bring your stone to life?

Here are my Gothic Statue Creations!