Sic transit gloria mundi

The Chartusian Monastery of Saint Martin. This is in the courtyard where the old monks were buried. The detail of the laurel crown adds an ironic touch: it seems to say that now he's just like everybody else. I'm not sure how many of you will like this photo, except some well known lovers of the macabre ;-) On black please

[Paul]

Well obviously I like ;)

[sarah]

Is this How they display the old monks ?Does look fantastic on black

[Stef Neyhart]

Well done. Love that the sculpture shapes and background architecture support each other so well. Its like a scene out of a movie.

[carol white]

An interesting sculpture

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Hmmm- a number of ideas come to mind on the symbolism. Skulls used to represent wisdom- could it be that in death we finally know it all? But the victor's wreath throws a bit of a twist for sure- death has the final victory over life? Seems odd the monks who were so devoted would have this perspective in light of the resurrection. At any rate, it's a great subject for black and white and you have captured it so well.

[Pyrrhula]

Great capture of the interesting sculpture

[KWind]

Nice image... great focus and dof!

[Yao RL]

On black - it pop up to my face.

[Caterina]

@paul10 surprise surprise

[Caterina]

@samae @carolmw @stefneyhart Thank you. These sculptures are really really impressive. There are many, all around the courtyard @pyrrhula

[Caterina]

@kwind thank you I really appreciate your comment

[Caterina]

@yaorenliu Scary isn't it?

[Caterina]

@olivetreeann Anne, thank you for your detailed comment on the significance of the skull. I guess the meaning in this case is that all glory and honors and even culture (the wreath made of laurel is eve today put on the head of people at graduation) are destined to give way to death that levels everything and everybody. Of course the monks believe in a more important kind of glory once in the presence of God. At least this is my interpretation.I really enjoyed your hypotheses