A Medieval Marble Relief of Royal Couple, ca. late 14th century or later

Medieval European tombs drew inspiration from earlier Roman and Etruscan sculptural traditions. Some individuals were buried in sarcophagi with effigy lids, similar to Etruscan practices, depicting the deceased as if awaiting their ascent to Heaven. Others featured elaborately decorated tombs, complete with relief panels and freestanding effigy sculptures of the deceased, often surrounded by mourners or entire families kneeling in prayer. Intricate canopies were frequently placed over the sarcophagi to symbolize Heaven.   This relief depicts a panel that originally adorned the wall of a tomb belonging to a royal couple. In the panel, the husband stands slightly before his wife, positioned in a three-quarter pose. He has one fist over his chest and the other gripping the sword strapped to his waist. He is wearing a double-tiered felt hat, from which fringed hair can be seen. His attire includes a high-collared tunic, chain mail, and a cloak fastened with a large round brooch. The cloak