Ornate Decoration

This image is taken from a collection of French glass plate negatives taken between 1910 and 1920. It is possibly somewhere in the Loiret. Note the really ornate decorations behind the impressive grave. To the left (top) are the words A NOTRE AMI. Further (below) are three words, the middle of which is CAMARADE. I take this to mean Comrade, so perhaps a military person. The words on the slab reveal the name of the deceased is Ravise and the inscription on the front of the memorial is famille Ravise-Requis. Sadly, I can read no more - perhaps someone with better eyes can read more of the top of the slab? Two clicks on the image will give you an enlargement of the photograph.

Phoenix Rising!

I was revisiting a series of photographs that I took a few months ago in the spectacular Bath Abbey Cemetery.  I was intrigued by what I took to be a large bird atop a large column that marked a grave.

Closer scrutiny revealed it to be a representation of a Phoenix - the mythical, sacred firebird. The reason for its inclusion became clear when I looked at the inscription on the grave. It marked the grave of John Monk Lambe who died in 1865. The inscription noted that he was formerly a Paymaster in the Royal Navy who served on HMS Phoenix - a wooden paddle sloop launched in 1832, converted to screw propulsion in 1845, and sold in 1864. I wonder if his will included a request for a phoenix rising from the ashes be included on his memorial?

Is there a Murderer among the Mourners?

 At the graveside of the recently deceased, a group of mourners gather to pay their respects and admire the floral tributes laid on the ground. But, what's this? A policeman stands among them. Was the deceased a victim of some terrible crime? Is the poisoner within the throng? I don't know, but I wish someone had recorded what was depicted on the back of this card. If I knew which cemetery it was, that would help.

A Lonely Figure stands and Mourns

Over this grave, a lonely figure stands and mourns. She leans on the cross for support