“Et In Arcadia Ego”

Latin for “And I in Arcadia”. Phrase coined by Renee D’Anjou (see above). “Et In Arcadia Ego” was a popular motif for artists for over three centuries, and is generally thought to be a moral allegory on death-the inscription is always found on a tomb. Because Arcadia in Greek mythology is equated with an idyllic past, the phrase is thought to refer to the transient nature of all happiness-the occupant of the coffin, in other words, reminds any passersby that he or she too was once happy, before death.

However, “Et in Arcadia Ego” is also perfect anagram for “I Tego Arcana Dei” – “Begone, I conceal the secrets of God”. The inscription is found in a painting by Nicholas Poussin, “Les Bergers d’Arcadie”.