A Medieval Marble Relief of Royal Couple, ca. late 14th century or later

Medieval European tombs drew inspiration from earlier Roman and Etruscan sculptural traditions. Some individuals were buried in sarcophagi with effigy lids, similar to Etruscan practices, depicting the deceased as if awaiting their ascent to Heaven. Others featured elaborately decorated tombs, complete with relief panels and freestanding effigy sculptures of the deceased, often surrounded by mourners or entire families kneeling in prayer. Intricate canopies were frequently placed over the sarcophagi to symbolize Heaven.  

This relief depicts a panel that originally adorned the wall of a tomb belonging to a royal couple. In the panel, the husband stands slightly before his wife, positioned in a three-quarter pose. He has one fist over his chest and the other gripping the sword strapped to his waist. He is wearing a double-tiered felt hat, from which fringed hair can be seen. His attire includes a high-collared tunic, chain mail, and a cloak fastened with a large round brooch. The cloak is embroidered with a three-petaled flower motif, which may symbolize his family, and features a stylized cross over his left breast.

Next to him, his wife exhibits an equally serene expression. She wears a headwrap knotted at her forehead, a dress adorned with the same flower pattern beneath a belted tunic, and a sleeved overdress similar in style to her husband’s. Her overdress is also fastened with a round brooch but features an elaborate trim and a four-petal blossom motif. One of her hands rests on her waist, while the other holds a braided wreath in front.

Ref: Goldiner, Sigrid. “Art and Death in the Middle Ages.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/deth/hd_deth.htm (originally published October 2001, last revised February 2010) 

Medium: Marble

Dimensions: 14 x 12 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches (35.5 x 32.3 x 8.9 cm)

Condition:  Complete, the relief has been professionally conserved and cleaned and is in very good condition overall.  Presented on a custom mount.

Provenance: Estate of George S. Mack, Greenwich. Acquired at Sotheby’s, European Works of Art, 6/22/89, Sale 5881, lot 0015. Copy of receipt included.