<< II Patriarch
One of the most remarkable tombs in the municipal cemetery of Aarschot is undoubtedly that of the patriarch, his wife, their seven unmarried daughters and Frie’s little brother, who was also called Godfried. It is a burial vault with a figure of Jesus in brown ironstone. It bears the inscription ‘Van Christus tot God’ (From Christ to God). Canon Professor Lemaire (1878-1954) provided the design. The lecturer in architecture also designed the high altar of the Church of Our Lady. ,
“According to tradition, white chrysanthemums were placed in front of the family vaults of loved ones on All Saints’ Day. For the hidden daughter Maria Nijs, who lay a little further on (her grave lease has since expired), we also said a little prayer, but she received no flowerpot. Every year I asked who she had been. My father alluded, with a moment of embarrassment, to a relative by marriage without going into detail.” – Pieter
The well-known artist Anne-Mie is not related. “On our side of the family they are more concerned with inheritances than with art.” – Pieter (photo: The Hague 2023)
Cemetery in the Snow – oil on canvas – Caspar David Friedrich
hodie mihi, cras tibi (today me, tomorrow you)
IV Martyr of Aarschot >>>