Maltese people have always honoured their dead relatives and were generous with erecting beautiful memorial sculptors on family tombs. This tomb which I haved to pass by on my way to where my parents are buried intrigues me quite a lot. There is a story about this bronze sculpture which says that the son was so distraught at the loss of his mother that he died while embracing her dead body His mum is shown here lying dead on a couch while he hugs her for the last time (and that was the last for both of them).
‘L-Addolorata’ - the name is short for Santa Maria Addolorata (Holy Mary of Sorrows) Cemetery - was designed by Emanuele Luigi Galizia, (1830 - 1906), of the Public Works Department, and opened on 9th May 1869. It is the biggest cemetery in Malta. Thousands upon thousands of burials have taken place since its opening. This is a Roman Catholic cemetery and is predominently for civilians, but it has been used by servicemen and their families during peacetime, as well as during World War I and World War II. A burial site existed on its grounds since prehistoric times.
Many thanks for looking and for your wonderful comments on yesterday's picture. I assure you your comments are very much appreciated.
What an interesting sculpted piece. The artist has shown some real emotion in the position of the figures. Thanks for sharing the story with us. It is well presented.
Wow, this is very moving and brings back very recent memories for me (role reversal though!). Thankfully, my sorrow and loss did not lead to my own mortality, but I certainly understand the feelings! The wrought iron fence is also exquisite!
