In the 13th century (c. 1200–1300), church monuments were effigial tombs, cross slabs, and early brasses, emerging as Gothic art replaced Romanesque. They focused on piety, feudal status, and intercession, with stiff, symbolic figures.
Bishop of Worcester 1218-1236. The effigy on the tomb is in the Romanesque style and lacks the detailed modelling that would become the hallmark of Gothic sculpture.
Set into a 13th century window, in the south ambulatory of the choir (bay 44) of Chartres Cathedral, this is one of the most celebrated medieval artworks in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres.It dates primarily to c. 1180 CE, with later additions around 1225 CE, making it a rare survivor from the pre-1194 fire that destroyed the earlier Romanesque cathedral.
This finely carved coffin lid features a long-stemmed cross whose arms terminate in deeply incised, curling foliage, a design symbolising both the Cross of Christ and the Tree of Life. The leafy ornament, known as a foliated cross, became popular in the 13th century and is often associated with clerical burials or those of prominent parishioners.
These wall paintings of Christ in Majesty represent Christ as ruler of the universe. Normally he is in a mandorla and surrounded by other figures and objects. The other figures depicted change from time to time.
Tomb of Eleanor of Aquitaine (d1204) at Fontevraud Abbey in France. Eleanor was first married to Louis VII of France, and had two daughters by him. However, they divorced in March, and in May of the same year, she married Henry of Anjou the future Henry II of England
Tomb of King Henry II of England at Fontevraud Abbey, France.
Tomb of Henry the Young King (d1183) son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, brother of King Richard I of England and King John.
A common subject painted in medieval churches where scenes of the "Last Judgment" or "Doom". Often they would be painted above the chancel arch. A central figure of risen Christ with the instruments of the passion would be painted, or a crucifixion with the Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist.
Sequence of 13th century wall painting from the in the nave of St. Albans Cathedral show scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
