An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Mourner from the Tomb of Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy (1364–1404)1404–10
Claus de Werve
active in Burgundy (mostly Dijon) from 1396 until his death.
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.
A plaster cast of this mourner decorates the empty niche in the Tomb of Philip the Bold in Dijon, France.
vizille alabaster
Overall: 41 x 12.7 x 15 cm (16 1/8 x 5 x 5 7/8 in.)
Bequest of Leonard C. Hanna, Jr.
In the quiet embrace of the church of Champmol, nestled near the serene landscapes of Dijon in Burgundy, a story unfolds—a story etched in alabaster and shadow. Here lie the remnants of Duke Philip the Bold, a visionary who not only breathed life into the realms of nobility but also laid the foundation for a sanctuary where art and reverence would eternally intertwine.
Duke Philip, with enthusiasm akin to a painter before a blank canvas, envisioned this monastery as his final resting place. He gathered the finest artisans, many hailing from the rich artistic veins of the Netherlands, tasking them in 1381 with a noble commission. Yet, as time moved like a gentle river, the work would linger, patiently waiting until 1410 to truly come alive—six poignant years after the duke had taken his last breath.
Among the elegant stone arrangements, one figure in particular stands apart—a mourner that defies the conventions of its time. Unlike the traditional low reliefs that seemed to merely exist, this figure breathes, inviting the gaze of all who approach. It appears less like a carved statue and more like a participant in the unfolding narrative of grief, a silent companion that resonates with viewers and fellow mourners alike.
The figure’s lifelike qualities sing from the alabaster—a material chosen with intention. Its innate softness allowed the artisans to intricately carve lifelike details; every curve and fold seems to whisper stories of sorrow and remembrance. The alabaster’s milky white hue glistens softly, polished to a shine that captures not just light but the very essence of life, creating an ethereal connection to those who stand before it.
In this temple of artistry and reverence, the mourners weave threads of humanity and emotion. They remind us that, even in stillness, art can resonate with the heartbeat of its time, inviting us to pause and reflect on the transient yet profound journey of existence.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.