Statue of Hope

By Crusader1307

Seen popular in England's Victorian Era (and being heavily adopted into American usage) ''Statues of Hope'' were a common 19th Century Funerary statuary used in many Cemeteries. With The American ''Statue of Liberty'' being dedicated in 1886, ''Female Heroic'' Statuary became popular. Alluding to an Ancient Grecian design, (Granite, Marble and related carving stones) ''Hope Statues'' were placed on similar constructed pedestals and columns. The statues were often Angelic in appearance with a standard pose of one arm outstretched upwards, a single finger pointing heavenward. This symbolized ''Salvation''. The style of using Female Saints were also popular. Normally, only the very wealthy could afford having Hope States commissioned for installation at their Graves or Family Mausoleums. Some Cemeteries did commission Hope Statues to be erected as general center pieces. Many have survived today as fine examples of 19th Century Funerary Art.