Tomb Effigy Bust of Marie de France (1327-41), daughter of Charles IV of France and Jeanne d'Evreux

Jean de Liège

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis was the burial church for the rulers of France and their families. This elegant image once formed a part of the tomb effigy of the princess Marie de France (1326–1341) and her sister Blanche de France (1328–1393), daughters of Charles IV (1294–1328) and Jeanne d’Evreux (before 1313–1371). Although Marie died young, her effigy was not carved until about 1381 by the court sculptor Jean de Liège. Many of the tombs in the abbey were vandalized in the wake of the French Revolution. Originally the head rested upon a stone pillow, and the princess wore a metal crown. Her braided hair is arranged in the courtly fashion contemporary with the carving of the bust.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art