A Monument to Lives Cut Short: The Tomb of Charles-Orland and Charles de France
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A Monument to Lives Cut Short: The Tomb of Charles-Orland and Charles de France
This lecture will focus on the tomb Anne de Bretagne commissioned in 1499 for two of her sons, Charles-Orland (1492-1495) and Charles de France (1496). The tomb bears two contemporary epitaphs, which have largely escaped academic attention, but are rich in symbolism. The decorative programme also powerfully evokes themes of loss, family and dynasty. As a public expression of maternal grief, it is an invaluable case study for those seeking to understand historic experiences of bereavement. Anne de Bretagne lost at least six other children during pregnancy or shortly after birth. One child was buried alongside the heart burial of his father; however, no monuments to the others remain. A study of Anne de Bretagne’s funerary patronage thus raises questions about which lives were considered publicly grievable, with gender and baptismal status playing important roles.
Rosalind Phillips-Solomon has an undergraduate degree in the History of Art from the University of Cambridge and a Master’s degree in Medieval Studies from the University of York. Her research interests include the macabre, commemoration and grief, especially as experienced in gendered terms. She researches and writes for Facsimile Finder, a database and supplier of manuscript facsimiles.
This event is free but you need to book. To register, go to Lives Cut Short: The Tomb of Charles-Orland and Charles de France Tickets, Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite