The Old Man of Powazki Cemetery Warsaw

by Carol Japp

Title

The Old Man of Powazki Cemetery Warsaw

Artist

Carol Japp

Medium

Photograph - Photograph Digital Art

Description

One of the things I like to do when I travel to a new destination is visit a local historic graveyard. I feel there is a great deal to learn about the culture, traditions and history of a place from the remarkable old cemeteries, usually found on the outskirts of town and more often than not having changed very little over a long period of time. It's always worth that extra tram or trolley ride to see these wonderfully preserved outdoor art galleries and museums filled to the brim with the most striking sculptures and skilled craftsmanship rarely seen in modern society.
I also find these cemeteries are usually a peaceful oasis of hushed calm, a quiet haven in an otherwise frantic city of chaos, crowds and noise. A place where I can take time out and spend a solitary couple of hours, only occasionally passing by another person also gazing in awe at the hidden wonders and gems.
Pictured here is 'Powazki Cemetery' in the Polish capital Warsaw. Established in 1790, Powazki is a beautiful example of an ancient, historic graveyard. Too huge to cover in one visit, its intimate lanes and sprawling tree lined avenues are overflowing with every style of art and architecture from some of the most renowned Sculptors of the era. One of the most eye catching monuments for me was this hunched figure of an elderly man, clutching an hourglass in one hand, perhaps as a reference to time passing too quickly as we age. Beneath him the Latin phrase 'Sic Transit Gloria Mundi' which has been interpreted as meaning 'Worldly things are fleeting' again reminding us of our limited time on earth.

Uploaded

January 23rd, 2017

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