A Tribute to Metal: On the Creation of Forged Crosses and Angels, and the Harmony Between Metal and Stone.
Author: Ladislav Gulyás, ⏱️ 2.5–3 minutes, category: Architecture/Design
"Venerate the deceased as if they were present."
- paraphrased from Confucius's Analects (3:12)
In the coming days, we will remember our loved ones—some by lighting a candle, others in quiet remembrance.
Since time immemorial, people have felt the need to tangibly mark the final resting places of those they cherished. From ancient monuments to the European tradition of wrought iron crosses, the underlying motive has always been the same: to create a lasting memento that endures across generations.
Playing Second Fiddle
The greatest honor for a blacksmith and sculptor is to create a piece that becomes such a deeply personal symbol. For this very reason, I recognize that such commissions are never about me; here, I am merely an extra. Through these works, I enter the client's most intimate sphere. My goal is never to make my artwork stand out, but rather to complement the overall concept. It is much like a philanthropic orchestra—someone plays the lead, while another uses their instrument merely to build atmosphere or set the rhythm.
Over the past years, I have been approached several times to craft a wrought iron cross or angel. These were sometimes pre-selected works from my portfolio, and other times the realization of a client's vision that I refined and infused with a piece of myself. Occasionally, I was given total artistic freedom, searching for harmony in the details. The outcome was always an original, enduring metal artwork that naturally completed the resting place itself.
From Calculations to Dynamics
When crafting a cross, maintaining strict symmetry and correct proportions is key. We could mention the Fibonacci sequence, which guides the construction of the perfect spiral—a form commonly used in artistic blacksmithing to forge various motifs. Yet in art, mathematical formulas do not always suffice. Sometimes an exact calculation simply does not exist, and we must rely on intuition instead. Put simply, both the horizontal and vertical arms of the cross must achieve balance. You simply have to "see" the proper height and depth of the proportions.
A forged angel presents a unique challenge. Unlike the strict lines of a cross, this involves figural sculpture. The lines can be freer and more dynamic, making it all the more essential to maintain overall compositional balance and proportions. In my view, the artwork must not overpower the space; instead, it should be sensitively integrated into the monument, harmonizing seamlessly with the stonemasons' work.
An Idea, Paper, Fire
Whether it is a wrought iron cross or a forged angel, creation always begins at the drawing table—first a concept, later a full-scale 1:1 sketch. Every line is decided at this stage. Equally vital, however, is seamless craftsmanship in collaboration with stonemasons. They are an essential part of the process; prior to installation, they must precisely pre-drill the stone and prepare the mounting site.
Material selection and surface treatment are paramount. Pieces like these are designed strictly for the outdoors, exposed year-round to snow, frost, and, in recent years, heat exceeding 40°C.
In my view, electro-galvanizing is the only acceptable finish. Operating through electrolysis, it creates a protective anti-corrosion layer while preserving the material's raw texture. This ensures the final piece never looks like an industrial casting, keeping every mark of handcraftsmanship clearly visible.
Desirable Invisibility
Yet the process does not end there. Standard paints cannot be applied to metal treated this way. It demands a specialized primer formulated specifically for galvanized surfaces. Only over this prepared base can I apply the final coats and, ultimately, the patina.
Patinating is the closing chapter of the story. The outcome must appear as if a brush had never touched the piece—as though the metal were not patinated at all. The surface must remain seamless. At times, subtle shading is required to lend the artwork a quiet, refined depth.
A Silent Remembrance
Everyone has their own preference. Some favor engraved stonework, while others prefer a modest monument bearing just a name and dates. Whichever path you choose, however, I believe that purity of form remains paramount.
I once heard a theory claiming that a family's wealth is measured by the size of their tombstone in the cemetery. Yet true respect for the deceased is never hidden in ostentation.
In the end, it is all about silent remembrance—and for that, even a simple wooden cross is sometimes more than enough.
Explore more original forged accessories for both interior and exterior in my portfolio.
Photo: Ladislav Gulyás Metal Studio