Death and the Sculptor

Death and the Sculptor is a bronze figure at Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain that depicts two figures set against a relief background. The composition shows a winged woman gently touching the hand of a craftsman dressed in work attire and stone-like clothing.

An American sculptor created this memorial in 1893 to honor two Irish immigrant brothers who worked as stonecutters and contributed to the artistic development of the nation. The work marked an important recognition of their craftsmanship within the immigrant community.

The winged figure embodies death as a gentle force, while the male figure honors the creative spirit of the stoneworkers it memorializes. Visitors often pause to observe how the relief background frames this quiet conversation between two opposing ideas.

The bronze casting sits on the cemetery grounds surrounded by other artistic memorials that you can explore along well-maintained pathways. It is best to visit during regular hours and wear comfortable shoes, as the monuments are spread across expansive terrain.

The work was cast by a Paris foundry and gained international attention when it earned a prize at a prestigious European exhibition of the time. This recognition highlighted the growing importance of American artistic skill on the world stage during the 1890s.

Location: Jamaica Plain

Creator: Daniel Chester French

GPS coordinates: 42.29790,-71.10760

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01