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Mourner from the Tomb of Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy (1364–1404)
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This figure comes from the tomb of Duke Philip the Bold from the church of Champmol near Dijon (Burgundy, France). Philip, who founded the monastery and designated it as his burial place, hired the best artists, many of whom came from the Netherlands. While the commission was given in 1381, the work was not completed until 1410, six years after the duke’s death.<br><br>This mourner is unusual for the time because it is not carved as a static low relief on the pedestal of the tomb but interacts with the viewers and their fellow procession members. The lifelike quality of the figure is due in large part to the alabaster. Its softness allowed artists to carve details into the material, and the transparent, milky white stone could also be polished to a high gloss.
| Artist / Maker | Claus de Werve |
|---|---|
| Date | 1404–1410 |
| Culture / Origin | Netherlands, active Dijon, 15th century |
| Medium | vizille alabaster |
| Dimensions | Overall: 41.7 x 16.6 x 11.7 cm (16 7/16 x 6 9/16 x 4 5/8 in.) |
| Department | Medieval Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
active in Burgundy (mostly Dijon) from 1396 until his death. Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
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