A Royal Tomb Program in the Reign of St. Louis
Georgia Sommers Wright
In the year 1264 two translations occured at Saint-Denis marking completion of most ambitious tomb program Middle Ages. The bodies eight Carolingian and Capetian kings queens were moved to sites in new crossing their graves identified with carved effigies on high bases.1 Scholars have assumed that Louis IX commissioned these tombs, although his presence is mentioned only chronicles written after canonization.2 There no evidence payments for tombs royal or Abbey accounts, but both records are deficient those years. Without documentary proof contrary, it should be Abbey-sponsored just as Abbeys Saint-Remi, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Médard had erected monuments commemorating benefactors. has all characteristics a Dionysian creation: sophisticated unconventional its purpose was strengthen privilege, this case burial. arranged not impress by numbers illustrate genealogy, thereby legitimacy, house. lines four pairs Capetians north Carolingians south side crossing, flanked metalwork Philip Augustus son, VIII, symbolizing fact latter unified houses virtue descent mothers.3 We surprised Abbey, attempting induce future buried within walls, would devise setting political dynastic significance rather than promising lavish care soul. Perhaps other institution own welfare prestige house consistently did Saint-Denis. It theme runs through so many works art chronicles.
Art Bulletin