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Catacombs of the Capuchins, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 1927. Artist: Eugen Poppel
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Catacombs of the Capuchins, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 1927. Artist: Eugen Poppel
Catacombs of the Capuchins, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 1927. The Capuchins are an order of friars in the Catholic Church, among the chief off-shoots of the Franciscans. The catacombs began to be used in the 16th century when the Capuchin monastery of Palermo ran out of space in its cemetery and began to excavate crypts beneath the monastery. Originally the catacombs were only intended to be used to bury the dead friars, but as it came to be regarded as a status symbol, local notables began to be interred there as well and the catacombs were maintained by their donations. The last burials took place in the 1920s. From Italien in Bildern, by Eugen Poppel [August Scherl, Berlin, 1927]
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Media ID 14973311
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Capuchin Catacomb Catacombs Corpse Crypt Dead Eugen Eugen Poppel Friar Macabre Monastery Monk Monks Palermo Poppel Remains Sicilian Sicily Underground Roman Catholicism
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This print takes us back to the Catacombs of the Capuchins in Palermo, Sicily, Italy in 1927. The artist behind this remarkable image is Eugen Poppel, who skillfully captures the eerie beauty of this underground burial site. The catacombs originated in the 16th century when the Capuchin monastery faced a shortage of cemetery space. As a solution, they began excavating crypts beneath their monastery to bury deceased friars. However, as time went on, it became prestigious for local notables to be interred here as well, leading to donations that allowed for its maintenance. In this photograph's monochrome palette and macabre atmosphere lies an intriguing glimpse into history. It showcases rows upon rows of preserved remains - a haunting testament to life's transience and our mortality. The presence of men dressed as monks adds an element of solemnity and religious reverence. As we delve deeper into this image, we are transported back in time to witness a unique blend of artistry and spirituality within these ancient walls. This snapshot offers us insight into both the cultural significance attached to burial practices during that era and the architectural marvels created by human hands. Eugen Poppel's work serves as a visual reminder that even in death there can be beauty found amidst darkness – an eternal resting place where past meets present through striking imagery captured nearly a century ago.
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