THE MOURNERS: TOMB SCULPTURE FROM THE COURT OF BURGUNDY

 Features thirty-seven sculptures from the tomb of John the Fearless (1371–1419), the second duke of Burgundy. His elaborate tomb, once housed at a monastery on the outskirts of Dijon, is now one of the centerpieces of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Valois dukes of Burgundy ruled over extensive territories in present day France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands from their capital in Dijon. The significant artistic patronage of the dukes drew artists, musicians and writers to Dijon, which became a major center of artistic production. The alabaster tomb sculptures exemplify some of the most important artistic innovations of the late middle Ages. The sculptures, each 16 inches high, depict sorrowful figures expressing their grief or devotion to the second Duke, who was both a powerful political figure and patron of the arts. Each individual figure has a different expression; some wring their hands or dry their tears, while others appear lost in solemn contemplation, or hide their faces in the deeply carved folds of their robes.

Huerta, Jean de La; Le Moiturier, Antoine

Tombeau de Jean sans Peur et Marguerite de Bavière

France (Bourgogne), 1443 - 1455 (Jean de la Huerta) et 1466 - 1470 (Antoine Le Moiturier)
Sculpture, Albâtre : doré, polychromé ; marbre noir
Hauteur : 246 ; Longueur : 376 ; Profondeur : 262
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier

Bishop XVe siècle, 1443 - 1457 Alabaster
44 x 17,5 x 14,5 - 17 5/16 x 6 7/8 x 5 11/16
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier

Mourner with Uncovered Head, Drying his Tears with a Fold of his Cloak Held in his Right Hand

15th Century, 1443- 1457 Alabaster
40,8 x 18 x 15 - (16 1/16 x 7 1/16 x 5 15/16)
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier

Cantor Holding Up an Open Book with Both Hands

15th Century, 1443- 1457 Alabaster
41,3 x 15,5 x 13 (16 1/4 x 6 1/8 x 5 1/8)
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier

Mourner with Drawn Hood, Holding a Book with his Right Hand and Drying his Eyes with a Fold of his Cloak held in his Left Handand with his left hand wiping his tears on his cloak

15th Century, 1443- 1457 Alabaster
42 x 18 x 15 - (16 1/2 x 7 1/16 x 5 15/16)
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier

Mourner with Drawn Hood Drying his Eyes with a Fold of His Cloak Held in his Right Hand, his Left Hand on his Chesthis right hand, left hand on his chest

15th Century, 1443- 1457 Alabaster
(15 15/16 x 5,91 x 5 7/8 - (40,5 x 15 x 13,5 )
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier

Mourner with Drawn Hood, Hands Clasped at his Waist

15th Century, 1443- 1457 Alabaster
42 x 15 x 13 - (16 1/2 x 6 1/8 x 5 1/8)
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier

Mourner with Drawn Hood, his Hands Inside his Sleeves

15th Century, 1443- 1457 Alabster
40,5 x 15 x 9,5 - (15 15/16 x 5 15/16 x 3 3/4)
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

The decoration of medieval churches inspired awe at the glory of God, and pointed arches drew the eye toward heaven.
Jean de la Huerta and Antoine Le Moiturier, 

Tomb of John the Fearless and Margaret of Bavaria(detail), 1443-70, alabaster. © Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon.

Musée des Beaux-Arts, Dijon

Mourners from the tomb of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, by Jean de la Huerta and Antoine le Moiturier, 1443–145

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