On a recent jaunt through Atlanta's sepulchral masterpiece, Oakland Cemetery, I was awed by a marvelous cradle carved atop a child's grave. Surprisingly, I can't say that I've seen that many cradles atop or in grave symbolism, so this particular grave fascinated me. Sadly, the work is unsigned and the marble has deteriorated quite a bit. I've adjusted the contrast on these photos so the cradle's details are more evident.
 |
Grave of Joseph Dennis Wing, Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta.
Young Joseph died March 5, 1912. Photo 2011, by Lewis Powell
IV, all rights reserved. |
 |
| Photo 2011, by Lewis Powell IV, all rights reserved. |
 |
| Photo 2011, by Lewis Powell IV, all rights reserved. |
 |
| Photo 2011, by Lewis Powell IV, all rights reserved. |
Charleston, South Carolina's Magnolia Cemetery contains a far more elaborate cradle marking the grave of Rosalie Raymond White. This grave is made all the more haunting by the addition of a death mask of the child underneath the hood of cradle.
 |
Grave of Rosalie Raymond White, Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston
South Carolina. Photo 2011, by Lewis Powell IV, all rights reserved. |
 |
The inscription reveals that Rosalie was less than a year old when
she died September 5, 1882. Photo 2011, by Lewis Powell IV, all
rights reserved. |
 |
Rosalie White's death mask. Photo 2011, by Lewis Powell IV,
all rights reserved. |
