Rising above a Catholic family mausoleum in Wheeling, West Virginia, two life-size white Carrara marble angel statues serve as enduring guardians of faith and remembrance. Designed by Rohn & Associates, these hand-carved Catholic cemetery sculptures and custom religious memorial statues were developed through close collaboration with the family and brought to life by master marble artisans in Carrara, Italy. Created as a lasting expression of family legacy and devotion, the custom marble angels transform the mausoleum into a space that honors those within, expressing the Catholic belief in the dignity of the human person and the hope of the Resurrection.
Looking to plan for the future, a devoted couple entrusted our team with the creation of personalized Catholic memorial sculptures for their resting place. Liturgical Designer Rolf Rohn and his team of artists developed original sketches for two full-scale marble angels intended to rest atop the structure as heavenly sentinels.
Before beginning the sculpting process, the artists spent time learning about the individuals these angels would represent and the qualities that made each person unique. These conversations helped inform not only the overall design, but also the presence of the figures themselves. By understanding the lives and personalities behind the memorial, the artists were able to create sculptures that carried a deep sense of personal connection while remaining faithful to the tradition of sacred art.
The team first transformed the original designs into intricately detailed clay models, shaping the angels’ gestures, expressions, and flowing garments with precision. Working in clay allowed the sculptors to study the figures from every angle, adjusting proportions, movement, and the subtle features of the faces and drapery before the design was committed to stone. This stage is essential in monumental sculpture, giving the artists the opportunity to establish the character and presence of the figures while preserving the original intent of the design.
Once the clay models were complete, they were used to create plaster casts that served as the reference for the marble carving process. These models captured the contours and structure of the figures, providing the Carrara craftsmen with a precise guide for translating the sculpture into stone.
The completed prototypes were entrusted to master marble artisans in Carrara, Italy, who painstakingly carved them into life-size white Carrara marble statues. Using traditional methods passed down through generations, the artisans removed layers of marble by hand, chiseling the stone to preserve the angels’ delicate details and graceful forms.
The journey from artistic vision to finished marble required careful coordination between the designers and craftsmen at every stage. Through this process, the angels became a timeless work of sacred art shaped by the family’s faithfulness, memories, and desire to honor one another and their loved ones.
Once completed, the angels were installed under Rolf’s direction, standing in silent vigil over the resting place as a profound symbol of faith and the promise of eternal life
Planning ahead is an act of mercy and love, offering peace and reassurance for those we leave behind. A thoughtfully designed mausoleum provides a lasting place of prayer and connection for generations to come. Every sculpture serves as a deeply personal reflection, carrying the memory and spirit of those it was created to celebrate while reflecting the family’s own story.
Read about a related custom Catholic cemetery monument featuring a three-dimensional marble cemetery monument inspired by Giotto’s Virgin and Child fresco.
