Posted on 01/15/2014 10:34:46 AM PST by nickcarraway
Thieves have attempted to steal the urn containing the remains of Sigmund Freud from a crematorium – and severely damaged the ‘irreplaceable’ vase in the process.
Golders Green crematorium was broken into sometime overnight on New Year’s Eve and the third century Greek artifact was smashed in an apparent attempt to remove it.
Staff found broken pieces of the urn on the floor the next day and it has now been moved to a secure location. The crematorium’s security is under review and police are now investigating the break-in.
File photo dated 10/12/24 of Sigmund Freud as thieves have tried to steal the ashes of the founder of psychoanalysis and his wife Martha. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday January 15, 2014. The burglars "severely damaged" the ancient urn that contained the couple's remains when they attempted to take it from Hoop Lane Cemetery in Golders Green, north west London between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, police said. See PA story POLICE Freud. Photo credit should read: PA WireSigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis (Picture: PA) Detective Constable Daniel Candler, said: ‘This was a despicable act by a callous thief, even leaving aside the financial value of the irreplaceable urn and the historical significance.’The fact that someone set out to take an object knowing it contained the last remains of a person defies belief.
‘I urge anyone who knows the perpetrator to contact police.’
The urn, which contains the remains of the Austrian neurologist and his wife Martha, dates from around 300BC and was part of Freud’s collection of antiquities.
It was given to him by Princess Bonaparte of Greece and Denmark, the great grand-niece of Napoleon.
The urn had been on public display since Freud’s cremation in 1939. He died at the age of 83.
When his 90-year-old widow died in 1951 her ashes were added to the vase.
Freud should not be revered by anyone. His theories have been disproved over and over. He belongs in the basement.
Oedipus, is that you?
sometimes a cigar is just a cigar....and sometimes I flick my ash into Siggy’s urn.
monsters from the id? surely you must be kidding Dr. Morbius??
No.... and don’t call me Surely.
“Oedipus, is that you?”
Can’t talk right now, got a date with Mom.
Dumb asses, the urn is worth more than the ashes.
OTOH, a 2,300 year old Grecian urn in superb condition and documented provenance commands a pretty penny on the black market...unless Butterfingers Irving shoots himself down trying to steal it.
What’s a Grecian urn?
In case you’re not jesting, a form of ancient Greek pottery. Pictures at the link.
Sadly, I was jesting, but I appreciate the link!
“looks like Siggy’s puttin’ on some weight!”
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