General view of the tombstone commemorating Alexander Omay, 1639, in the churchyard of Errol Parish Church. Coped stone with emblematic figures, symbols of trade and several inscribed panels.

Description General view of the tombstone commemorating Alexander Omay, 1639, in the churchyard of Errol Parish Church. Coped stone with emblematic figures, symbols of trade and several inscribed panels.

Date 2/1986

Collection Papers of Betty Willsher, historian, St Andrews, Scotland

Catalogue Number A 26967

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 2235016

Scope and Content Detail of the table tomb of Alexander Omay, Errol Parish Church Graveyard, Perth & Kinross This shows the top of the tomb, showing every inch covered in intricate carving. The long panels feature inscribed scrolls flanked by allegorical figures, including Death, as the 'King of Terrors' with his scythe and dart (left), and a woman holding a scroll and trumpet (right). Two putti (small cherubs) can be seen on in the centre of the stone nearest the viewer. They are shown as angels of the Resurrection blowing trumpets to raise the dead. This monument uses many designs taken from an illustrated book by Francis Quarles' (1592-1644) called 'Emblems, Moral and Divine', first published in 1635. Francis Quarles describes emblems in the introduction to his book as 'but a silent parable', and indeed the illustrations in his book are there to reinforce the meaning of Biblical quotations and moral poetry. This table tomb, with its ornately carved coped top, commemorates Alexander Omay. It is inscribed: 'HERE LYES ANE FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD/MR ALEXANDER OMAY PREACHER OF THE GOD'S WORD/IN MONEYDIE FOR THE SPACE OF 30 ZEIRS WHO DEPARTED THIS LYF/THE 11 OF AVGUST 1639 AND OF HIS AGE 66'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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