The Weeping Angel of Amiens, France
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (326170)
Rockingham, Australia
June 27, 2016 8:47am CST
At some stage, I intend to write about our visit to Amiens Cathedral in France but I thought a separate post about the 'Weeping Angel' might be in order. The 'weeping angel of Amiens' became famous during World War I when it was offered for sale on a postcard. It became very popular with soldiers serving on the Somme and many a postcard of the cherub found its way back across the seas to families of the fighting men.
The cherub was sculpted by Nicolas Blasset and is part of the mausoleum of Canon Guilain Lucas. The cherub has one hand on an hour-glass symbolising the transient nature of life. The opposite elbow is resting on a skull symbolising death. It is a poignant piece.
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25 responses
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
28 Jun 16
impressive art - the title made me think of the evil Weeping Angels monsters in Doctor Who
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@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
4 Jul 16
@JudyEv This a summary of them
Um. This might be a series I'll do, maybe? Not sure yet, just wanted to use some clips. ------------------------------------- Clips: 'Blink', 'The Time of An...
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@JudyEv (326170)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Jul 16
@arthurchappell Thanks for the link (I think). Now I remember why I don't like Dr Who much. :)
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@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
29 Jun 16
I see weeping angels and I think of the ones from Doctor Who...
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@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
30 Jun 16
@JudyEv they are my fav, well not bad guy, but creature that's badish?
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@JudyEv (326170)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 16
@Jessicalynnt Cherubs always look a bit impish I think. A bit like loose (little) cannons.
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@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
27 Jun 16
Very nice. My father worked in Amiens for a while when we were kids.
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@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
@JudyEv We never went with him he used to come home every two weeks so Fridays we were as excited as heck but on Sunday when he went back was a very unhappy time for us all. In the end he could see how upset we all were so he gave up a very well paid job and came home thank God.
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@JudyEv (326170)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jun 16
@garymarsh6 There are some things that simply aren't worth the money I guess.
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
28 Jun 16
Very historic and interesting sculpture- It definitely is a poignant piece
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@JudyEv (326170)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jun 16
@MarymargII It is hard to remember the details later. I did take photos of the information sheets which helped a bit.
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@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
29 Jun 16
@JudyEv I love visiting those gorgeous old churches and cathedrals- not only spiritual but historical!
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@psanasangma (5944)
• India
28 Jun 16
I am very glad to know this story. Thanks for sharing
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@The_Bong_Woman (851)
•
28 Jun 16
The weeping angel- the name in itself is so enigmatic and it is definitely a beauty. Never heard of it before nor did I see it before so thanks a lot for sharing.
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@The_Bong_Woman (851)
•
28 Jun 16
@JudyEv I know it happens at times that something strikes us so deep that we stop to behold it and then wish to think deeply about it but are unable to do so. Perhaps this is the very effect the sculptor wanted to have on us beholders.
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@Shellyann36 (11385)
• United States
27 Jun 16
This sends a daunting message. Life is so short and can be taken away so easily. It is best to be on good terms with the people you love and to live life to the fullest.
On another note, I have often wondered why cherub are always depicted as being chunky?
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@JudyEv (326170)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Jun 16
What you say is very true. I wondered that too. I love the chubby little legs on this cherub.
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
28 Jun 16
Oh, how we would love to find one of the postcards in a thrift shop here.
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@JudyEv (326170)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Jun 16
I guess there are some out there somewhere. It must have really appealed to the soldiers.
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
27 Jun 16
beautiful 'n hauntin' 't the same time. i'd love to see't'n person, see what stories it'd tell to me.
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