Elements of French Funerary Sculptural Style and other Saint-Denis, France General Tips

Favorite Thing: Look at the large mausolea. By far the most elaborate mausoleum is that of Louis XII and Anne of Bretagne, a cooperative work by several Italian artists. The sculptural encasement of a tomb by mourners (“pleurants”;weepers) who symbolize the implied virtues of the deceased was a conceit originated by Claus Sluter at the Chartreuse of Champmol outside of Dijon at the end of the 14C. It migrated to Italy as well. Contemporary with this tomb (16C), Michelangelo was creating them. Here the figures have escaped from the base and are just "hanging out". The original Dijon style was followed here in the tomb of the Ducs d'Orleans with weepers along the base. The “living” praying royal couples (their souls?) are on the roof praying while the dead gisants are on the floor below. Sometimes bronze is substituted for marble or other stone (cost, availability and speed may have been factors). In the structures of Francois I and Louis XII battle scenes in bas-relief are placed at suitable sites. (Significant military victories were of course a virtue).


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