Death's angel

Death's Angel is a bronze sculpture on the grounds of Skogskyrkogarden Cemetery, depicting a cloaked figure with one arm raised toward the sky. The work stands within a woodland and park setting, surrounded by grave sites and trees.

The work was created in 1921 when Carl Milles was establishing himself as a leading modernist sculptor in Sweden. This period marked a shift toward simplified forms and expressive gestures that defined his mature style.

The sculpture draws visitors to contemplate mortality and remembrance as they move through the grounds. It demonstrates how artistic works can serve as focal points for reflection within sacred spaces.

The sculpture is reachable on foot via marked paths that run through the cemetery grounds and are straightforward to follow. It helps to get an orientation map or guide upon arrival to locate the work quickly within the large site.

Milles created this work driven by his own artistic vision rather than a specific commission, giving him freedom to explore expressive possibilities. The sculptor achieved a quality of emotion in the angel's gesture that feels both personal and universal to those who encounter it.