The Haserot Angel
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History
Overview
The Angel of Death Victorious, commonly known as the Haserot Angel, is a bronze sculpture located in the Cleveland Heights, Ohio portion of Lake View Cemetery. It depicts an angel seated on a polished marble base holding an inverted torch, and was created by artist Herman Matzen. The sculpture has become a tourist destination in part for the black "tears" apparent on the angel’s face resulting from oxidation of the metal over time.
Practical Info
Mon7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tue7:30 AM 7:30 PM
Wed7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thu7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Fri7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sat7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sun7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Suggested Duration0.5 hours
Best TimeThis legendary, haunting life-sized bronze sculpture—officially titled 'The Angel of Death Victorious'—stands deeply tucked inside an oak grove. The single cinematic slot is a clear morning between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM; long, low shadows and early morning mist lifting off the stones highlight the wind-weathered dark bronze 'tears' flowing down the face flawlessly.
Getting ThereNestled centrally within the back woods of Lake View Cemetery at Section 9. Driving a car is completely mandatory to locate this hidden marker: enter via the main Euclid Avenue stone portals, ask the gate rangers for a complimentary historic site trail map and follow the painted asphalt arrows marked Haserot. Limited free dirt roadside pull-off spaces are available.
Travel Tips
- The iconic bronze statue hides inside Lake View Cemetery at Section 9, Lot 14. Locate it accurately by plugging the specific section markers into your map.
- The oxidized crying effect excels visually under overcast skies or low afternoon angles. Avoid flat midday lighting which flattens the facial definition.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The art piece frames an active family gravesite. Do not step past lawn boundaries, touch the fragile green patina, or leave profane novelty items.
Reviews
Positive
- This famous sculpture is even more stunning in person! The natural bronze weathering creates 'black tears' that look beautifully haunting.
- The surrounding cemetery grounds are park-like and lovely, replacing eerie cemetery vibes with a deeply peaceful, solemn artistic atmosphere.
- This is a completely free public monument, serving as an exceptional destination for international travelers into sculpture, photography, and Gothic motifs.
- The statue is remarkably well-preserved, and the adjacent plots showcase heavy historical depth with late-19th-century stonemasonry.
Heads up
- It is merely a single private grave monument deep inside a massive cemetery, not a standalone commercial site, making dedicated rideshares feel basic.
- Because the grounds are expansive with winding roads, tracking its exact location (Lot 14) is tough without clearer signs, causing you to drive in circles.
- There are zero tourist-facing infrastructures nearby like restrooms, gift shops, or pavilions, leaving you fully exposed during sudden weather shifts.
- Being an active resting place, visitors must maintain quiet respect at all times, making it poor for noisy tour groups or loud toddlers.