Skeleton statue kissing people in cemetery

This statue was erected with the humanistic meaning of death and how people receive it.

Poblenou is an iconic cemetery in Barcelona (Spain). It was built in the 18th century and especially impressed many visitors by the haunting “Kiss of Death” statue. Photo: Western 61. This intricate sculpture is placed for the tomb of Josep Llaudet Soler, a textile producer. At first glance, the statue looks quite horror with a skeleton holding the dying man. Deeply hidden in it, however, were of greater significance. Photo: Time Out. The statue is inspired by the famous Latin phrase “Memento mori” which means: “Remember the person who will die”. This quote is a symbolic reminder of the immortality of the soul and the afterlife. In this statue, death (represented by a skeleton) is holding the dying man and kissing him. Photo: My Modern Met. The epitaph is engraved with a poem by Jacinto Verdaguer – a famous Catalan poet. On it was written: “My immature heart is thus no longer beating / Blood in my veins has cooled / Strength is gone / Faith was praised when he swooped into the arms of Death. Amen”. Photo: BCN. Until now, many people still argue about who created this statue. Some say it is Jaume Barba – whose name is engraved on the statue. Another opinion says it is the work of Joan Fontbernat. “The statue is a perfect match. Death’s knuckles grabbed the soft flesh of the man reminiscent of life cycle,” commented My Modern Met. Photo: BCN. Poblenou Cemetery has many other beautiful statues carved with tombs. Now, the city has developed a mobile app that helps visitors look up information about Poblenou’s greatest tombs – including the “Kiss of the Dead” statue. Photo: ShBarcelona.