If you look at the details of this mausoleum in Gonards cemetery, you might shudder ever so slightly. VDP doesn't know the meaning of the symbols, if anyone cares to enlighten her?
Détails impressionnants, parfois, sur les mausolées du cimetière des Gonards. 
Don't know the meaning of the symbols I'm afraid, I have to say it looks like pretty heavy stuff though. We have a great (if that's the right word in this context) graveyard in Wanstead with lots of old graves so a really fascinating source of information. It also has the original old watchmans hut used to look out for grave robbers....and on that cheerful note....have a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteDon't have a clue. This is very ornate, indeed. I wonder if the gods of the underworld are impressed with such impressive monuments to death? Or gods anywhere for that matter?
ReplyDeleteI only mention that because the ancient Israelites believed in Sheol, which was where dead people went. And I think witches.
This is definitely a place I would only want to visit during the day and probably not by myself! I do like all the detail though.
ReplyDeleteI love the color and light but I'm not sure I'm seeing all the symbols. The skull, of course, is the memento mori theme.
ReplyDeleteLove that first photo.
ReplyDeleteWell, the skull was a common medieval reference (don't know when this mausoleum was built) of how even in life we are in the presence of death. The plague, of course, swept a lot of people away during that period and life expectancy was brief anyway. The monk holding the cross, I suppose, therefore symbolized the hope to which people clung to in such uncertain times.
ReplyDeleteA part le crâne en temps que symbole de ce qui reste du corps après la mort...
ReplyDeletequi emporte le mort ? le religieux proposant le secours des derniers sacrements...
ReplyDeleteles inscription sur le personnalité du défunt ne t'ont pas donné d'indices ???
Oh that's a bit dark and dramatic Ciel, looks very old. I was going to say life was tough back then but in retrospect life is pretty tough these days too!
ReplyDeleteLest there be any doubt about what this place is all about.
ReplyDeleteQuite impressive. I like to wander through old cemeteries. Man holds himself in such high regard.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I can explain what it means except that someone important must be entombed there.
ReplyDeleteAwsome stonework abd great composition on top!
ReplyDeleteThe whole thing looks quite creepy, Ciel!
ReplyDeleteI like old mausoleum's and this one is really cool, modern ones seem pompous (not sure why I have these issues). I wish I could help you with the symbolism, now I am curious.
ReplyDeleteThis coould have been a perfect Halloween post. ;)
ReplyDeleteI do take note of the skull.
ReplyDelete