Optima Philosophia Sapient est Meditatio Mortis

About this artwork.

The installation Optima Philosophia Sapient est Meditatio Mortis stands between the headstones in the churchyard of Wittewierum. The Latin means: The highest form of wisdom and philosophy is the contemplation of death. This work of art is a memorial to the Bloemhof Monastery that was founded here in 1213. At its height, more than 1000 monks lived here. The bronze sculpture is a nest of human 'bones and skulls'. The bones that are placed facing upwards and downwards symbolise birth (growth) and death (decomposition) respectively. They also refer to the tradition within the Roman Catholic Church of venerating the remains of saints. Healing and protective powers are attributed to their mortal remains. 

Optima Philosophia Sapient est Meditatio Mortis is part of a project focusing on visual art in cemeteries called Op Hoogte Gedacht (which translates approximately as 'thinking at a higher level'), which itself is run by the Stichting Oude Groninger Kerken (Old Groningen Churches Foundation). The project started in 2004, with the aim of bringing more peoples’ attention to historic cemeteries in Groningen. The seven pieces of art that have since been created reflect, each in their own way, the specific function and significance of the places they embody.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Jan Kuipers

• District
  Ten Boer en omgeving

• Year of creation
  2006

• Art type
  Freestanding sculpture

• Material
  Bronze