Kathe Kollwitz is one of my favourite artists.
Her sympathetic portrayals of motherhood are tinged with great melancholy: she lost her son in the First World War, and her art was a necessary outlet for her pain. Few artists have so lovingly and reverently tied the twin themes of motherhood and death together with such gentle, aching beauty.
As she approached her own death, she grew reflective in her art, as though picturing her death before the event. In doing so, she created some of the most emotional art ever witnessed by mankind.
My favourite piece by her is "Death as an old friend." This sketch shows a dying man greeting death with sheer joy, terrified joy, one might say. The terror at the end of life tempered by the realization that, after all, death is not something of a mystery, but someone we've known all along...an old friend.
What do you think is the guise of death, and how does this fit in with your faith?
Your considerate answers are most appreciated.
2007-08-18 20:07:07 · 9 answers · asked by Jack B, sinistral 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believe death is simply a biological function. Perhaps a transition from one form of life to another. So I don't see it as some sort of anthropomorphic form that's going to come for me when my time's up. (As I type that I can't help picturing the Grim Reaper from Monty Python's Meaning of Life).
I'm not familiar with Kathe Kollwitz's work. But your description is very compelling and I'll be sure to check it out.
2007-08-18 20:38:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very difficult question, because I just don't know. We hear so many things about death and people who have come back from death. Many describe it as a bright light toward which they move. Some see dead relatives. Some seem frightened as they pass on. Some go calmly in their sleep. Some go violently. Some come back as spirits, seemingly trapped between worlds.
My faith tells me that at the moment of death, my soul goes to either Heaven or hell. Are we there in a blink of an eye, does someone/something accompany us, is it a pleasant or unpleasant journey? I don't know. I want to believe I will go to Heaven and it will be a quick, pleasant journey getting there.
2007-08-19 05:00:50 · answer #2 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Angel of Death.
In the great book of john - you’re warned of the day
When you’ll be laid - beneath the cold clay
The angel of death - will come from the sky
And claim your poor soul - when the time comes to die
When the angel of death - comes down after you
Can you smile and say - that you have been true
Can you truthfully say - with your dying breath
That you’re ready to meet - the angel of death.
When the lights all grow dim - and the dark shadows creep
And then your loved ones - are gathered to weep
Can you face them and say - with your dying breath
That you’re ready to meet the Angel of Death
2007-08-19 03:35:35 · answer #3 · answered by Me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Death takes on two distinct persona's. One is a man in black robes and a white mask. The other is dust.
The one in the black robes and white mask is the fighter. He is slow, and can be knocked down, but never tires, and always gets back up. He moves to the sound and rhythm a heartbeat.
Dust is always there, but will eventually be left in the dust.
In either case, Death is lonely.
2007-08-19 04:05:21 · answer #4 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am hoping that death comes in the guise of a girl in black with crazy hair, a spiral at the corner of her eye, and a nice large ankh hanging from her neck. since i believe everything is an illusion and a creation of the mind, i hope mine would turn to this portrayl of death, made famous by neil gaiman's sandman series.
2007-08-19 03:57:11 · answer #5 · answered by luvjeska 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with luvjeska. Death, portrayed in that comic book, was the best I'd seen. She was cheerful and happy and full of life for She gave life Meaning, so to speak. It was because of her that life was so valuable.
2007-08-19 18:09:59 · answer #6 · answered by Starjumper the R&S Cow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
before I read the details, I was going to say something like that. when I was younger, I had a great deal of fear about death. Now that I'm older (and I hope wiser), I think that it would be a welcome thing...or at least, more welcome. If I allow free rein to my imagination, I think death would look...fierce. Strong. With flaming eyes and irrefutable purpose.
2007-08-19 03:44:24 · answer #7 · answered by Shinigami 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I Believe If death has a physical manifestation it would be in the guise of a beautiful being that gives the feeling of love and welcome to those about to recieve death.
2007-08-19 03:19:40 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Im on my fifth glass of gin and tonic.. No way breathing am I going to attemt to answer this question Jacky Boy!
2007-08-19 03:15:52 · answer #9 · answered by Icy Gazpacho 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋