The mourners

the long version

"During the late Middle Ages, the Dukes of Burgundy were the wealthiest and most powerful aristocrats in northern Europe, controlling an expanse of territory that included all of modern Belgium and much of northern France. The Dukes commissioned sculptors of great renown to decorate and celebrate their magnificent court in Dijon. Working in a studio presided over by Claus Sluter (Netherlandish, c. 1360-1406), these sculptors created monuments for the ducal family that rivaled contemporary Italian works." "This book provides an in-depth study of the twin summits of the achievement of these artists - sculptures from the tombs of Philip the Bold (1342-1404) and his son, John the Fearless (1371-1419). These extraordinary marble and alabaster tombs serve as platforms for the ducal figures, who rest atop fully carved arcades similar to those in a medieval cloister. Within the spaces of the arcades, the artists carved the individual monks in procession. Only a little more than two feet high, each monk is a miniature embodiment of late medieval devotion. Shown in various states of mourning, they move in perpetual procession beneath the marble bodies of their rulers." "Accompanying the first major traveling exhibition of these recently restored sculptures, The Mourners explores the religious and historical context of these evocative works and illuminates their remarkable artistic sophistication and craftsmanship." --Book Jacket.