The Kiss of Death

The Kiss of Death is a marble sculpture showing a winged skeleton tenderly touching the face of a young man. The monument stands on a tomb in Poblenou Cemetery and was commissioned by textile manufacturer Josep Llaudet Soler.

The sculpture was created in 1930 by sculptor Jaume Barba to honor a family member who died young. It was made during a period when Barcelona supported fine craftsmanship and memorial art.

The inscription at the base comes from Catalan poet Jacint Verdaguer and speaks of a life cut short. Visitors can read the words and sense how people expressed sorrow for a young man.

The work is located along the main path through the cemetery and is easy to reach since the grounds open daily. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and observe the quiet atmosphere of the burial grounds.

Unlike other grave monuments, this work shows death as a skeletal figure rather than as an angel or spiritual form. This unconventional portrayal makes the sculpture stand out among the other memorials in the cemetery.

Location: El Poblenou

Inception: 1930

Creator: Jaume Barba

Made from material: marble

GPS coordinates: 41.39622,2.20420

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23