Cleveland Cemetery Landmark

Haserot Angel: The Weeping Bronze Guardian of Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

This life-sized bronze figure, officially titled The Angel of Death Victorious, appears to mourn the deceased with permanent black tears caused by decades of unique oxidation.

Midwest Historic
The Haserot Angel

Amidst the rolling hills and grand mausoleums of Cleveland’s historic Lake View Cemetery, one figure stands out for its haunting, sorrowful expression. While the grounds hold the remains of presidents and industrial titans, most visitors find themselves wandering the paths in search of a specific bronze sentinel that seems to be caught in an eternal state of mourning.

Other historic sites like Mount Moriah Cemetery share this atmosphere of grand funerary architecture.

Why It Stands Out

Known officially as "The Angel of Death Victorious," this life-sized bronze sculpture marks the final resting place of the Haserot family. The figure is seated atop a marble plinth, gripping an inverted torch—a classic funerary symbol representing a life that has been snuffed out.

Unlike many celestial carvings that offer comfort, this guardian is stern and stoic, with wings spread wide and a gaze that looks directly into the distance. The statue’s most famous characteristic is the dark, ink-like streaks that flow from its eyes and down its neck.

Though they look like genuine tears of grief, these markings are actually the result of decades of oxidation. The way the bronze has aged, combined with the specific contours of the sculpture, causes rainwater to pool and stain the metal in a way that mimics weeping.

This eerie natural phenomenon has earned the figure the nickname "The Weeping Angel," turning a piece of funerary art into a destination for those fascinated by the macabre and the beautiful. The nearby Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick also draws visitors interested in the local history of the occult.

Before You Go

Finding the angel within the 280-acre cemetery requires a bit of navigation. You will find it at Section 9, Lot 14, tucked away under the shade of nearby trees just off the main road.

If you are having trouble locating it, look for the prominent Hanna Mausoleum nearby, which serves as a helpful landmark. Landmarks like the Hollywood Forever Cemetery similarly use prominent mausoleums to help visitors navigate their grounds.

Maps are typically available at the cemetery office or the Garfield Monument. The gates are open daily, though hours change seasonally: they close at 5:30 p.m. during the winter months (November through March) and stay open until 7:30 p.m. from April through October.