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Tomb Slab of Madame Blanche of France, Duchesse d'Orléans by http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/941cf24dbd5edb88c52e3dc3497bca60

http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/941cf24dbd5edb88c52e3dc3497bca60 · 1350-01-01

This ancient tomb slab, created around 1350, commemorates Madame Blanche of France, Duchesse d'Orléans. It's now housed in The Met Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The central winged figure, likely an angel, gently supports a shield bearing three golden lilies, a clear symbol of French royalty. The entire slab is a testament to the passage of time, with its worn edges and softened carvings telling stories of centuries past.

Despite the erosion, details like the angel's intricately carved feathers still stand out, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship of the anonymous medieval sculptor. This funerary monument was designed to convey spiritual protection and the royal status of Blanche of France, whose life and lineage are etched in stone.

What other hidden details do you think might be waiting to be discovered in ancient artworks like this?

Details

She died in 1350. The carving is over 670 years old.
She died in 1350. The carving is over 670 years old.
A winged angel holds her heraldic shield, now damaged.
A winged angel holds her heraldic shield, now damaged.
Look closely at the angel's delicate, carved wings.
Look closely at the angel's delicate, carved wings.
The individual feathers are still visible, even after centuries.
The individual feathers are still visible, even after centuries.
This quiet detail suggests the original sculptor's skill.
This quiet detail suggests the original sculptor's skill.
Transcript

This tomb slab honors a French duchess, Blanche of France. She died in 1350. The carving is over 670 years old. A winged angel holds her heraldic shield, now damaged. Look closely at the angel's delicate, carved wings. The individual feathers are still visible, even after centuries. This quiet detail suggests the original sculptor's skill.