Saving Graces by David Robinson

 

Reviewed by Kristin

Cemeteries are the repositories of not only physical remains, but the memories of those who once lived, loved, and mourned losses.

Photographing European cemeteries, David Robinson became aware of the many statues of visibly grieving women. First he questioned whether the statues represented women buried at those locations. Could they be religious figures? Or angels?

These statues, which Robinson soon dubbed the “Saving Graces”, did not appear to fit any of these categories. Many are swooning across graves with their carved clothing in disarray as if they are overwhelmed with grief. Some are reaching up to heaven. Some are turned into themselves. Others appear to be resigned, but still mournful.

In stark contrast, men represented in the cemeteries are usually standing upright, showing a strong moral character, and definitely not showing any emotion which would be perceived as weakness. Women, however, carry the sorrow.

The book contains a brief introduction, foreword, and afterword, with the bulk of the pages letting the captioned photographs tell their own story.

I came across this book while cleaning up books that had been browsed or returned. It is shelved at 730.94 ROB, not a section that I necessarily would think to browse myself. 730 encompasses: “Arts and recreation sculpture, ceramics, and metalwork sculpture, and related arts.” I can appreciate the artistry required to create such sculptures, and I can appreciate the emotions felt by those who commissioned these works.