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 Question: I was in a cemetery recently, and I saw a beautiful monument that was not tall but it had substantial depth that presented an imposing presence in the cemetery. Other graves surrounded the memorial and all were surrounded by a small fence-like border made of granite.
Answer: Great question! If the monument was not tall, then that probably rules out the obelisk and the vertical monument too. You describe the memorial as imposing, so that would rule out most of the monuments that you see in the cemetery, as most are either 6 or 8 inches thick. You must be speaking of the sarcophagus. Yes, that is a commanding magnificent memorial.
I have included a photo from the McNeel’s treatise, “The Greatest Name in Stonecraft,” found on pages 5 and 168, called the Anderson Sarcophagus. This particular sarcophagus is quite ornate. Others are simple but still massive and imposing.
A Sarcophagus Is Used As A Focal Point
A sarcophagus makes an excellent focal point when it is used to center the attention in a family plot. It may also be used to serve as the main monument with small tablet markers used to mark the graves of particular family members.
McNeel identifies the dimensions of the Anderson as follows:
Die (Tablet) 6-8 x 1-10 x 3-0
Sub Base 7-0 x 2-0 x 0-4
Bottom Base 8-0 x 2-8 x 0-8
Monument Dimensions Explained
 For those not versed in the language of the monument industry, the dimensions for the die (modernly called the tablet or wing) is 6 feet, 8-inches long, 1 foot, 10-inches wide, and 3-feet tall. This is an imposing 22 inches wide.
The sub-base, or second base, is 7-feet long, 2-feet wide and 4-inches tall. The bottom base, or base, is 8-feet long, 2-feet 8-inches wide and 8-inches tall. The sub-base is only 4 inches longer than the tablet, or 2 inches additional length on each end beyond the tablet. The sub-base is 2 inches wider than the tablet, allowing one-inch width beyond the tablet.
The bottom base is a foot longer, providing 6 inches beyond the length of the sub-base and a width that allows 4 inches on each side of the sub-base. The base is 8 inches tall, and the sub-base is 4 inches tall, lifting the 3-foot tablet up for a total height of 4 feet.
McNeel describes the symbolism that makes up the Anderson sarcophagus as “A beautiful example of Classic Architecture. The wreath and festoons depict memory. The cross is symbolic of Christ and His Atoning Death.”
Style
Stylistically, the Anderson Sarcophagus has a rooftop or Gable-style top with straight sides with decorative flutes raised above the recessed face. A square sunk flows around the bottom of the tablet until it reaches the panel for the epitaph. Ample high relief accents the face of the sarcophagus.
The base appears to have a wash, with a margin at the top of the base that seems to be steeled with what appears to be sawn below the margin. Lettering on the face is in a raised font with high relief wreath features. The finish could be steeled, a relatively smooth but unpolished finish. Interestingly, this memorial has the epitaph, “Love Never Faileth.” To my mind, that is a great thing.
Active Readers Earn Rewards
The next time you are visiting a cemetery, look for a sarcophagus, take a photograph, and e-mail a digital photograph with your comments about the cemetery and the sarcophagus of interest. I always enjoy hearing from my readers. If I use your photograph and comments in a future article, you will receive a nice gift in appreciation for your efforts.
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