dinsdag 17 juli 2012

Taphophile Tragics

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a beautiful little city in the South of  France where many artists live and sell their work. The ramparts date from 1536.

Their deaths are burried at a cemetery just outside the ramparts with a magnificent view over the surroundings.

The famous painter Marc Chagall is burried here. He was a Russian born Jewish painter who moved to Paris because of the difficult circumstances jewish people had to live in. During WWII he fled to the US, but returned to Europe in 1946. Since 1950 he lived in St-Paul-de-Vence.
 His grave was a bit disappointing, and I couldn't get a good picture of it. It is just a simple white tombe without ornaments, but not se well maintained.

His name was hardly to see but he was born in 1887 and died in 1985 when he was 97 years old. The name Brodsky is of his second wife, probably Michel was a brother in law or a child of his wife who is burried here too.

As a Jewish custom little pebbles are laid on the tombe by visitors to pay their respect and to remember him.

Marc Chagall in his studio in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

This is my contribution to Taphophile Tragics

10 opmerkingen:

  1. So love Marc Chagall's art! I am surprised that such a large grave should be so plain! I wonder if once there may have been more? Sad that the writing is fading so significantly! Lovely views in this area!

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  2. In the back of my head is that this cemetery has been featured before. I think by Nick from Melbourne. But, of course, that is not to say it cannot be featured again.

    It is in an immensely beautiful part of the world, and of France. I suspect all those ramparts and hills are beyond me now, which makes me sad.

    However, such immense beauty is a joy to see.

    I am not sure about why the grave of such a prominent man is left to deteriorate in this manner. I know the French have a lot of ancient monuments to maintain, which is a drain on their national budget, but surely there is something for a painter held in such high esteem.

    Thank you for this post, Marianne. The cemetery certainly holds pride of place in this town.

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  3. It is a beautiful cemetery, and since I love Chagall and the windows he created in particular, I thank you for this post!!

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  4. The Jewish teaching that all are equal in death, could have
    served as the families guide to choosing such a simple tombstone.

    There is a process in bleaching these monuments. Hopefully it will be done before the name is unreadable.

    Beautiful pictures...

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  5. This city and the cemetery just look so unique, it is very special.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  6. What a spectacular view, a wonderful resting place..i love the Jewish custom of placing a stone or pebble when they visit. Even though I'm not Jewish I think I might do this the next time I visit Mum and Dad!

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  7. Fantastic post. I am alwas a little disappointed when I am unable to read a gravestone because it is poorly maintained ot has worn away.

    Herding Cats & Beneath Thy Feet

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  8. Wat een mooi kerkhof is dat en ja vreemd zo'n eenvoudige steen voor Chagall. Maar ik lees net een verklaring hierboven waarom misschien. Klink aannemelijk.

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  9. This cemetery looks so contained - like a garden.
    And you had quite a view out over it, too!

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  10. Hi Bieb
    The cemetery looks very cool from higher up. Very orderly and nice. I like the palm tree!

    I'm sorry I've been so busy. Hope you are well!

    xo

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