At Peace

At the top of the wide descending staircase, and under the windows to either side, are bones arranged into the letters “IHS” and the Greek "IHΣ" topped with a cross. These are symbols often used in liturgical settings, and are believed to be the abbreviated Greek spelling of Jesus.

Surrounding the letters are femurs, tibias, and mandibles iconically arranged in the form of solar rays, often representing a symbol of peace. And finally, there are three skulls on the top and sides, recalling the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

Originally, the Schwarzenberg family's coat of arms that Rint created out of bones, was hanging here in this entranceway, above the staircase. But it was later moved to the vaulted archway in the ossuary below, where it hangs today. We are currently still researching as to when this happened, and what the reasoning was for this move. In its place, now hangs skulls, pelvic bones, and other assorted leg bones in the form of a cross and solar rays. The vertical side decorations are the only remaining part from Rint's original installation.

As we descend the stairs and look back upward, we turn once more to admire the beauty of the curved lines of the balcony, where skulls and bones hang in an almost lace-like pattern. The combination of the dark wood on the balcony balustrade above, and the skull garlands to the left and right, create a memorable, framed view reminiscent of some delicate drawing.

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