Grave Monument with Cross, No. 745 1840 - 1880

Alexander Maxwell produced this ink on paper drawing entitled, Grave Monument with Cross, No. 745. Maxwell, who was born in Scotland, immigrated to the United States where he worked as a marble dealer, indicating his familiarity with funereal monuments. The cross is adorned with the lettering IHS, a Christogram symbolizing Jesus. The emphasis on the cross, a symbol of sacrifice and salvation, highlights the importance of religious faith in coping with loss. This monument's design reflects broader societal attitudes towards death and mourning in the Victorian era which often emphasized elaborate displays of grief. Consider how the design, with its imposing height and solid construction, embodies a desire for enduring remembrance. The monument serves not only as a marker of death but also as a testament to the life and legacy of the deceased. It invites reflection on our own mortality and the ways in which we seek to leave a lasting impact on the world.