Sur la peau d'un aristocrate russe du crime (4)

As you can see above, it is common to find churches, monasteries, fortresses and castles in Russian Mafia Tattoos.  It’s most common to find these tattoos on the chest, back and hand region.  If you look closely you will see seven towers in total on the structure tattooed on the middle of his chest.  Some people translate the number of towers to the number of years, or number of times an individual has been to prison.  It’s common to find the phrase “The church is the house of God” written beneath the cathedral - which is usually translated to “Prison is the home of the Thief”.

Bibina (2 pour le prix d'1)

Sur la peau d'un aristocrate russe du crime (3)

The same stars on the knees, as shown above, prove the highest rank, and indicate that the wearer will bow to, or get on his knees for, no one. Bells literally signifies that the wearer will serve his full given sentence, from “bell call to bell call”.

Mauvais goût est bon goût

Seconde peau

Clique salope, clique

Sur la peau d'un aristocrate russe du crime (2)

Military insignia and uniform epaulets (ornamental shoulder pieces) are seen in Russian Mafia Tattoos when symbolizing criminal accomplishments. When a skull is portrayed it is usually meant to designate a murderer. Epaulets will be decorated with various crests and symbols in the center section where you can see the skull in the image above - it’s common to find reference to an individuals criminal status prior to incarceration, especially if it was of any significance or importance. You will also see certain crests and symbols in Russian Mafia Tattoos that represent a persons time spent in solitary confinement

Bon goût (2)

From Russia with love (2)

Joli arlequin

Jeune psychologue, Harleen Quinzel travaille à la réhabilitation des patients dans l'enceinte de l'asile d'Arkham jusqu'à sa rencontre avec le Joker. Harleen tombe amoureuse du célèbre psychopathe et l'aide à s'évader à plusieurs reprises, avant d'être soupçonnée. Sa licence est révoquée et, ironiquement, elle obtint sa propre cellule à l'asile. Après le tremblement de terre qui secoua la métropole, une bonne partie de l'internat est détruit. Harleen Quinzel enfile un costume d'arlequin (d'où le jeu de mot avec son nom) pour assister son nouveau mentor à l'accomplissement de ses desseins machiavéliques.

Sa relation amoureuse avec le Joker est marquée par l'excès et l'abus. Malmenée psychologiquement et physiquement par son "biquet" ou son "canard" selon les versions, elle revient néanmoins toujours vers lui. Cette relation est aussi parsemée de longs moments de séparation, que ce soit par le va-et-vient constant entre la liberté des rues de Gotham ou la thérapie des murs d'Arkham ou par les conflits réguliers qui marquent ce couple.

Née sous la plume de Paul Dini en 1992 dans le cadre de la série télévisée Batman, la série animée. Souvent jumelée au Joker dans ses péripéties, le personnage a rapidement été approfondie par DC Comics pour prendre place dans le panthéon toujours grandissant des ennemis de Batman.

Sur la peau d'un aristocrate russe du crime

It’s hard to be absolutely sure of the exact translation that some of these tattoos contain, as I’m sure things have been manipulated and adjusted throughout history, but here are some basic interpretations of common Russian Mafia Symbols : Cathedral, Church or Monastery - Usually on the chest, shoulder, or back.  Depending on the number of steeples or towers are shown on the tattoo, it translates to the number of years, or number times an individual has been incarcerated.

Stars - If there are star tattoos on the shoulders, it typically symbolizes a individuals dignity and honor and that he lives by a certain code and tradition.  Star tattoos on the knee caps are usually given once a member has become promoted to Captain status, and it symbolizes that the owner of the tattoo will never be brought to his knees.

Pirate Tattoo - This means that the owner has committed armed robbery, or article 167 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Cobweb - Usually found on the shoulder.  Thought this tattoo has become popular amongst suburban rebels and movie stars, in the Russian Prison system it stands for drug addiction.  Not something I’d want to be boasting if I was an actor or professional athlete !

From Russia with love