Angel of Grief Statue Value Guide

The Angel of Grief is a poignant 1894 masterpiece by William Wetmore Story, originally carved for his wife Emelyn's grave in Rome's Protestant Cemetery. This miniature reproduction captures the profound sorrow of the collapsed, winged figure, making it a highly sought-after piece of funerary-inspired art.

What affects the value of Angel of Grief Statue?

• Material quality significantly impacts price, with genuine carved marble commanding the higher end of the $150-$250 range.
• The level of detail in the facial features and the delicate wing tips affects collector desirability.
• Overall condition, specifically the lack of chips on the fragile wing edges or pedestal corners, preserves the market value.
• Provenance or markings indicating an Italian origin can increase the piece's appeal to funerary art enthusiasts.

How to Identify Angel of Grief Statue?

• Check for the distinct 'collapsed' pose where the angel's head rests heavily on its forearms over a rectangular pedestal.
• Examine the material composition to distinguish between heavy Italian carved marble and lighter, molded cold-cast resin reproductions.
• Look for detailed feathering on the slumped wings, which should drape naturally toward the base of the monument.
• Verify the presence of the 1894 design elements, specifically the weeping posture that deviates from traditional upright Victorian angels.

History of Angel of Grief Statue

The 'Angel of Grief' is a well-known sculpture by William Wetmore Story, created in 1894 for the grave of his wife, Emelyn Story, in the Protestant Cemetery, Rome. It depicts a winged angel weeping, collapsed over a pedestal. The powerful emotion it conveys has made it a popular motif for mourning monuments and has led to countless reproductions and adaptations worldwide, symbolizing profound sorrow and loss. Many cemeteries feature similar statues, a testament to its enduring artistic and emotional impact.