The Pilgrim - Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago, IL - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

Nothing much else from the Smithsonian database.

From Findagrave at (visit link)
"This statue marks no specific grave. Actually called "The Pilgrim," it was designed by Albin Polasek. The sculpture depicts an old woman, walking toward the Stejskal-Buchal mausoleum in Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago. The figure's face is shaded by its hood. Tales of local legend through the years have stated that the image actually portrays "Death," and portends that anyone peering under the hood, looking at the face, will die within the year."

From the Friends of the Bohemian National Cemetery website at (visit link)
"Albin Polasek was born in Moravia and came to the United States in the early 1900's. He sculpted the Mother and Pilgrim monuments at Bohemian National Cemetery. Large public commissions brought him world attention. Retiring to Winter Park, Florida, at the age of 71, he began gathering much of his life's works and set up a foundation opening his estate to the public."

More about the cemetery from their website: (visit link)
"The Bohemian National Cemetery of Chicago is a Fraternal not for profit cemetery founded in 1877 by Bohemian, Moravian and Slovak immigrants and their descendants to provide a dignified place for burials free of religious restraints. The cemetery is available to all religions, nationalities and races. The cemetery is located on the north side of Chicago. It is situated on 122 acres bounded by Pulaski Road on the West, Foster Avenue on the South, Bryn Mawr Avenue on the North and Central Park Avenue - Northeastern Illinois University - on the East."

Spooky statue on a rainy day! There are numerous waymarks of artistic grave markers and monuments at Bohemian National. If you have a chance to take one of the tours offered, it is definitely worth it.

Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: The Pilgrim Figure Type: Human Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Albin Polasek Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: not given Materials used: bronze Location: Bohemian National Cemetery, 5255 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois

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