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Achingly Beautiful Cemetery Sculptures (20 photos)

While cemeteries are often only visited after a loved one has passed, they also serve as important places to mourn. One very famous cemetery that is frequently visited for completely different reasons is the Staglieno in Genoa, Italy. Opened in 1851, the cemetery is filled with artistic sculptures that leave us with questions about our own mortality and our relationship with death. Famous historical figures including Friedrich Nietzsche and Mark Twain are said to have been fascinated with the Staglieno, ruminating over life's unanswered questions as they strolled through the hallowed grounds. In this post, we present to you some of the most famous sculptures that are currently in the Staglieno as well as in other cemeteries around the world. As you look through this set, notice how these photographers have captured such powerful emotion through their composition or lighting, making century old statues seem stunningly alive.

Other Eerie but Beautiful Art and Photography: Richard Avedon's Fantastic Fable Twisted Childhood Memories Chilling, Scary and Dark – These 15 Photos are Works of Art Pop Surrealism by Todd Schorr

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