The art of sensual statues in cemeteries: The male statues

Last week my favourite blog had the topic of sensual statues in cemeteries. And though the entry was excellent as ever i've decided to show some males statues that are quite sensual, too.

Ed mentioned in his blog that these statues are extremly rare and he has a point. A good benchmark is for example my database: Since today i've got 2.936 photos in it and statistics show that only 73 male angels and 210 male statues are part of it. On the other hand it shows that i've got 736 female angels and 1.111 female statues containing the database. Still, that's only a hint because i didn't distinguish between sensual and non-sensual statues. And, what's more: Jesus is not in the forementioned statistic: He alone has got 136 entries....

Anyway, to find those sensual male statues i made a roundtrip (a virtual one) through Europe again. My first stop was in Budapest. The white Angel (which is not only an angel in my view: It has an demonic aura to me) is a very good example for my definition of a sensual statue: It has less clothing than necessary! Why should someone mourn for the dead with just a small loincloth around? It does not make any sense but that's the definition of arts for you: Art should not make sense. It should move the beholder.

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

Next station is the staglieno Cemetery, Genoa. Of course the male angels were the minority here as well, but still we found them: The first two examples show some teenish boys. Both sitting with a more or less relaxed expression on a tomb. And both are -at least i believe- some kind of "lucky charm" because their feet are frequently touched by the visitors.

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

The following male angels were found at the irregular section of the Staglieno Cemetery: They are outside so naturally they are exposed to the weather which gives them a slight decayish look...

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

The last male angel i'd like to show you is part of a couple, also displayed at the staglieno:

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

That's all for now regarding angels.

When it comes to "normal" male statues the journey will be even longer. Let's begin with Hannover, Germany:

Hannover, Engesohde Cemetery

Hannover, Engesohde Cemetery

Next station is Budapest:

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery

The next one is a bit of a laugh. It was taken in the western section of the Highgate Cemetery, London (being the part of the cemetery where you can stroll around without being bothered; the western part is guided only, very expensive and quite a rush through it... Still it's worth the visit...). I found this one in a dense part of the cemetery where you almost feel that you are lost in a forest with the occasional tombstone lying around....

It is only about 10 inches high so it really doesn't count. I'm fairly sure i won't find it again.

London, Highgate Cemetery

When it comes to sensual male statues though there is no way around my favourite one shot in Milano, Cimitero Monumentale. See for yourself:

Cimitero Monumentale, Milano

The same Cemetery:

Cimitero Monumentale, Milano

The last ones show a tomb at the irregular section at Staglieono, Genoa:

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa

At the end of my rather long post i hope that i've made a point: Yes, it is rare to see sensual male Statues at cemeteries. But it is definetly possible. I'm fairly sure that in this case the cemeteries just reflect the world outside. 

One thing though: This week i had the 2.000th visitor on my blog: Thank you all for visiting (and revisiting) me here.