Page 9 - Demo

7I find them perfect places for relaxation and contemplation. Because of all the artwork, statues, bas-reliefs, etc, I see cemeteries as nothing less than outdoor museums. In fact, I will go so far as to say they constitute a national treasure. Although the individual sculptors are rarely known by name, their work is often spectacular. Some of the statuary was created overseas, but much of America%u2019s cemetery sculpture was carved by talented local craftsmen. Unfortunately, outside of cemeteries, the United States simply doesn%u2019t have a significant tradition of public sculpture. Yes, many municipal buildings have classically-inspired figures on their pediments, the lawns of courthouses often have %u201cLest we forget%u201d monuments to those who served in various wars, and there is the occasional statue of an important local historical figure, but it is in older cemeteries where you regularly find the most captivating sculpture%u2014often in abundance. And while some of these monuments are dedicated to wealthy, influential citizens, they are also erected in the memory of people who were important only to a handful of friends and relatives.The beauty of the statuary found in graveyards routinely draws photographers and tourists to the larger, better-known cemeteries%u2014P%u00e8re Lachaise, Montparnasse, and Montmartre, all in Paris; or Metairie in New Orleans; or Mount Auburn in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Because of this, there are guidebooks to these, and most other, major %u201ccities of the dead.%u201d But there is much, much, more outstanding cemetery sculpture to be found%u2014often in your own neighborhood. For example, it isn%u2019t unusual to find nearly 100 statues in a single large Midwestern city cemetery%u2014if it was established in the 19th century. But I%u2019ve also been delighted to discover a single charming statue in a tiny, smalltown or country cemetery. Anyone can admire these works of art%u2014all you need do is locate an older cemetery and walk or drive thorough the front gate. Having visited dozens and dozens of cemeteries, I%u2019ve discovered countless angels, cherubs, young children, and grieving women carved in stone or cast in metal. Some of the statues are very similar, although particular features may differ slightly. And there are certain predictable motifs%u2014the outstretched hand, the beatific look skyward, the innocent expression of a child. But there are also many one-of-a-kind statues. Most are meticulously crafted, with fine details, correct proportions, and balanced design. But, sadly, for many, the beauty is slowly vanishing.The fact is, the delicate quality of our cemetery statues is fading%u2014for a variety of reasons. Vandalism can certainly be a problem in some areas%u2014monuments being damaged and toppled for the thrill of it, statues being stolen, bases chipped by lawnmowers. But, as bad as wanton or accidental desecration can be, the real damage to these irreplaceable works of art is time. Those of marble and limestone, are slowly eroding away due to natural weathering%u2014and this is dramatically speeding up due to the effects of acid rain. Then, too, lichens and mosses damage surfaces, and vines and roots strangle bases causing them to lean precariously. Only those monuments that were carved in much-harder granite will last for centuries%u2014but those statues are in the minority because granite is more difficult and, therefore, more costly, to chisel. Because of the expense, the scarcity of skilled stone sculptors, modern cemetery regulations, as well as current tastes and practices, newly created cemetery statues are very rare indeed. Sadly, the carving of sculpture to honor the dead has almost become pass%u00e9. But, as with much of our history, it is an art that needs to be recognized and documented. And that has been my goal in creating Guardians of the Soul.John Bower