Eternal Silence (sculpture)

Eternal Silence, also known as the Graveyard Angel or the Statue of Death, is a monument and bronze sculpture located in Graceland Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. It marks the plot of the Dexter Graves family. The sculpture was created by American sculptor Lorado Taft in 1909 and dedicated in 1911.

The sculpture depicts a shrouded figure, often interpreted as the Grim Reaper or the Angel of Death, silently watching over the graves. The figure is draped in flowing robes, and the face is obscured by the hood, creating an air of mystery and anonymity. The bronze has acquired a greenish patina over time due to exposure to the elements.

Dexter Graves, for whom the monument was commissioned, was an early settler of Chicago, arriving in 1831. He was a prominent businessman and one of the founders of the Chicago Public Library. Graves specifically requested a unique and thought-provoking monument for his family plot.

Eternal Silence is considered one of Taft's most important works and a significant example of cemetery art. Its imposing presence and symbolic nature have made it a popular destination for visitors and a subject of numerous photographs and artistic interpretations. The sculpture evokes themes of mortality, grief, and the passage of time. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to prompt contemplation on the nature of death and the afterlife.

The statue is maintained by Graceland Cemetery. While the cemetery is open to the public, visitors are asked to respect the solemnity of the site. The sculpture has occasionally been vandalized, requiring restoration work.