Rock of Ages might be a cheesy rock opera for many people but for the tattoo aficionados, the Rock of Ages Tattoos are the designs inspired by an epic painting that was born out of a 18th-century hymn.
This nautical theme centered a stone cross with a shipwrecked woman in front while the background is full of nautical and traditional elements. As there were many signs and symbols in the picture, the tattoos were initially taken as religious pieces with deep meanings. The raging ocean symbolizes troubled life and the sinking ship is fate while the rock is Jesus Christ and the woman is the sinner who has now held the rock to overcome her sins.
There could be possibly any narration of the picture that was created in the 1860s and that is the reason why it is still a tattoo classic.
MOST SPECTACULAR ROCK OF AGES TATTOOS
The classic painting of Johannes Oertel was inspired by a hymn from 1763 that narrated the survival of a reverend who was caught in a storm and took shelter in a gap of a gorge that he was walking through.
The iconic image became the classic symbol of faith in the almighty and was highly favored by religious tattoo lovers. Another reason for its popularity is its magnificence. It definitely looks dramatic as a whole back tattoo, however, people even pick the elements for forearm, thigh and rib tattoos.
And while the traditional theme is forever, the contemporary touch to the image is another way to have a Rock of Ages tattoo. The list of tattoos below is a small composition of some of the most spectacular Rock of Ages tattoos that will blow your mind for sure.
#1: EPIC BACK TATTOO
Covering the entire back, this tattoo design will surely rock your world. Not only does it look very appealing it also is done with a lot of detail and care. The Falcon over the shoulders and the eye at the base are the highlights of this dramatic Rock of Ages tattoo.
#2: GUARDING ANGELS
This “Rock of Ages” theme tattoo is full of colorful elements that are making the tattoo design very bright, beautiful and meaningful. The design covers the entire back and spread over the hands as well.
#3: THE WICKED WIZARD
Amazingly created tattoo over the ankle done in bright yellow, blue, red and black coloring. This tattoo can be made over bicep, arm, chest and other parts of the body as well.
#4: RAGE OF THE FALCON
Covering the entire back this stunning tattoo displays the rage of the “Falcon”, though the Falcon is done in vivid coloring enhancing the entire look of this tattoo.
#5: THE THUNDER
Ouch! A tattoo on the back of the hand is very painful as the area has less flash. Creating such a thunderous tattoo on the bony side is remarkable.
#6: CONTEMPORARY FRONT TATTOO
The tattoo is done over the chest going downwards and covering the entire torso. The showstopper of this tattoo is the guns made over the chest, which does give a very masculine feel to this design along with a modern touch. You need to have guns to guard yourself! Is that what it means?
#7: CREATIVE TATTOO
This design over the chest is done amazingly and is very creative as well. The shaking hands, the lady in pain and the sailing ship are well placed and very beautifully done. You can figure out a story out of the elements to understand what the wearer had in mind.
#8: MAGNIFICENT BACK TATTOO
Amazing design is done in black definitely looks extremely sexy, cool and attractive. This tattoo design covering the entire back is done with utmost perfection. The thunderbolts, the roaring waves, black clouds and then a ray of sunshine, this tattoo is full of emotions with a very positive message of being hopeful in even the worst situation.
#9: RAY OF HOPE OUTLINED
Made with jet-black coloring this tattoo design is mostly outlined and the artist has not filled it to make it look unique and different. And, it surely has proven to be quite unique and cool tattoo design.
#10: ROCKING RIB TATTOO
Created amazingly, starting from the armpit and over the side torso, this design makes a big impression on its viewers. Not only is this tattoo made with a lot of care and perfection it looks very real at the same time.
#11: CALL OF ANGELS
Made on the thigh, however, it can be made on another part of the body as per your preference. The highlight of the tattoo surely is the “Angels” that are beautifully painted in black, gold and blue. This tattoo design is the best way to know someone is always protecting you.
#12: 3D ROCK OF AGES TATTOO
Isn’t this shoulder tattoo amazing? This tattoo design is made in such a way that it gives a complete 3D effect to it. Looks very appealing to the eyes and is definitely going to make you feel hot and happening!
#13: DIVINE AND GRACEFUL
A very beautiful and graceful display of art! Finely done on the inner part of the arm, the tattoo is full of colors and exhibit hope and faith. It looks equally good on the thigh, back, shoulder and shin.
#14: PROMISE TO GOD
Made with bright shades of red, green, yellow and black this tattoo looks very stunning and has a message written as well. Sometimes life can be tough and it does change us in many ways and that is what this tattoo is all about.
#15: HOLD ME TIGHT
A portrait displaying the bright side of humanity! Made over the entire chest, the design displays the classic Rock of Ages theme with a woman holding the cross and trying to pull the drawing lady.
While most of the Rock of Ages tattoos are very elaborative and look spectacular at areas like chest or back, you can try a small segment of it on shoulder, thigh or anywhere to reflect your own assumption of the famous hymn.