Minnigaff churchyard. Headstone, 1773. Digital image of A 34979 PO

Description Minnigaff churchyard. Headstone, 1773. Digital image of A 34979 PO

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

Catalogue Number SC 803795

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of A 34979 PO

Scope and Content Late 18th-century gravestone, Old Parish Church and Burial-Ground, Minnigaff, Dumfries & Galloway On this face of the gravestone, a winged figure, illustrating the soul's ascent to Heaven, is surrounded by what appears to be a vine laden with grapes. A winged hourglass at the foot of the stone is a reminder of mortality, indicating that for this person, the sands of time have run out. However, this emblem could also be directed at the viewer, urging them to think upon their own mortality, and the passing of their own days. The vine has a long standing tradition in Christian art and imagery, stretching back to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. As an emblem, it alludes to several Biblical texts and important rites in the church, the most obvious being celebration of Communion, where wine represents Christ's blood. This recalls the Last Supper, symbolising a belief in the faith. The vine also features in a parable, where Christ says 'I am the real vine' (John 15: 1-7). Unfortunately this memorial has become so weathered its inscription is no longer legible other than a date of 1773. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/803795

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap