Life is often represented in religious art as a flame—a source of illumination & warmth. An eternal flame takes this notion one step further. But sooner or later all flames burn out. Turning a torch upside down will extinguish the flame due to lack of oxygen & is a poignant way of representing death.
Inverted torches are one of the most common symbols in cemeteries worldwide. Whether in pairs, crossed or standing alone, they remind us that someone’s flame has gone out.
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A low but spacious mausoleum near the rear wall of the cemetery contains one of the first big business families in Argentina. Dr. Elías Romero opened the Tienda San Miguel on the corner of Bartolomé Mitre & Suipacha in 1857, & the elite of Buenos Aires flocked to the new locale. Purveyors of carpets, curtains & all types of cloth-related goods, customers could take one square meter of fabric home with them to see how it would look… & according to the owners, all sample swatches were returned.
The department store was renovated in 1920 by local Art Nouveau architect, Julián García Núñez, who covered the façade with marble & installed a stained glass ceiling with an image of San Miguel killing a demon. The department store is closed these days, & it’s difficult to get a peek of the interior since the building is only rented out for special events. At least it’s still around:
The following plaque reads: “To Sir Elías Romero Marull, tribute & remembrance from the staff of the Tienda San Miguel on the first anniversary of his death, 29 June 1947.” The store is depicted as is Saint Michael in the heavens just above:
Update (17 Sep 2023): Further proof of Tienda San Miguel’s success can be found in a full-page advertisement in the high society magazine “Aconcagua“, published in 1930… recently made available by the Biblioteca Nacional de España.
Inside this small tomb is a beautiful sculpture from Milan, placed on the floor along the back wall. Stoop down to get a better view of the marble masterpiece, & note the embroidery of mom’s evening gown, her slightly fallen breasts, & the detail of the mattress. According to Buenos Aires Nos Cuenta #13, the structure originally belonged to the Viviani-Rossi family who obviously had a lot of money & very good taste.
Update (08 Feb 2012): Good to debunk another bit of misinformation. Wherever Buenos Aires Nos Cuenta obtained their info, they are incorrect. An extensive amount of the Witcomb Collection, taken at the end of the 19th & beginning of the 20th century, is now available online. Photo #372 shows the statue in the same location as today but as part of a larger mausoleum belonging to C.A. Cranwell.
This south-facing sculpture is best viewed in late afternoon when the setting sun reaches inside. Large glass panels make flash photography awkward, so natural light is the best option.
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