Funerary Art & Symbolism

Across the 35 acres of Historic Congressional Cemetery, you’ll discover not just the final resting places of many historical figures, but also a diverse collection of funeral art spanning centuries. From intricate carvings to solemn statues, the cemetery’s landscape tells stories of love, loss, life, and the human desire for immortality through art. Cemetery iconography serves as a visual language, conveying messages about the deceased’s identity, beliefs, and the cultural milieu of their time.

The Victorian era witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of cemetery iconography, fueled by the era’s sentimental values, fascination with symbolism and funeral rituals. This period was characterized by a heightened awareness of death due to high mortality rates, particularly among infants and young children. As a result, grieving families sought solace in elaborate mourning practices, including the adornment of graves with intricate symbols and motifs.

Each symbol held a special meaning. Here are a few you may encounter on our grounds:

• The sleeping child and lamb – Innocence, purity and the brevity of life.
• Roses – Love, enduring affection and devotion.
• The Urn – Death itself, mourning and the body as a vessel for the soul.
• The Cross – Christian belief and resurrection
• Human Hands – Different themes depending on the direction they point. For example, clasped hands or The Handshake, which was also used by the Masons, can signify eternal devotion between partners, farewell or a greeting to eternal life.
• And many more. We invite you to walk the grounds to discover all the other symbols and their hidden meanings.

In addition to traditional grave markers, the cemetery is also home to a growing number of creative contemporary memorials that reflect evolving attitudes towards death and commemoration. These grave markers transcend the ordinary, becoming extraordinary works of art in themselves and tell a unique narrative in unconventional shapes, colors, and materials.

One notable example is the unique grave marker of Neal Turtell and his partner of 35 years, Thomas Klarner. They were known for their impressive contemporary art collection and unwavering support for the National Gallery of Art.

The creative design of their tombstone was a meticulously planned endeavor, taking well over a year to complete. Inspired by a work by the artist Carlos Torres, whose pieces Neal and Tom avidly collected, the tombstone pays homage to their shared passion for art. The concept for this tribute, combining Torres’s artistic influence and Neal and Tom’s love for art, originated from Steve Turtell, Neal’s brother. What ensued was a remarkable collaboration involving Steve, ceramicist Andrew Cornell Robinson, Todd Wolfe of Columbia Gardens Memorials, and Brian Adams, Neal’s executor. Together, these four individuals worked closely to bring the vision to fruition.

Another striking piece is the memorial for Thomas S. Foley, the 49th speaker of the United States House of Representatives. His memorial in Congressional Cemetery is a distinctive work of art that stands out amongst the cenotaphs. It takes the form of a grand circular sculpture titled “Endless Curve No. 5,” crafted from stainless steel by the talented Chinese artist Wenqin Chen.

Choosing this masterpiece for the memorial, Foley’s wife, Heather, an avid collector of contemporary art, envisioned it resonating with Tom’s affinity for its chrome-like aesthetic and the simplicity of its design. To her, Endless Curve No. 5 embodies the cycle of life and the art of compromise, reflecting not only their own divergent tastes in art but also Tom’s steadfast belief in the significance of finding common ground.

Reflecting on her late husband’s legacy, Heather Foley remarked, “My husband will be remembered not only as a great man but as someone who believed in listening to all sides of an argument and then working out an agreement that was acceptable to everyone. I think this piece represents his ability to bring people together.”