Tomb of Louis de Brézé

Tomb of Louis de Brézé in Rouen Cathedral in Rouen, France. The monument is supported by four columns of black marble with alabaster capitals and base. The effigy, lying covered in a sheet, is made of white marble. His facial features are convulsed as if just in death. He lies on a sarcophagus of black marble. The widow, Diana of Poitiers, mourns at the head. At his feet are the Virgin and Child which once was adorned with candles, figurines, and prayers. An inscription on the left of the monument reads: "O Louis de Brézé, ce tombeau a été construit Par Diane de Poitiers, désolée de la mort de son époux. Elle te fut inséparable et très fidèle épouse Autant elle le fut dans le lit conjugal autant elle le sera dans le tombeau." At the side of the monument are four caryatid crowned with flowers, the pair on the right representing prudence and glory, and the two on the left victory and faith. Between these cariatides is an equestrian statue in white marble of Louis de Brézé moving into action on his war-horse. An elaborately scrolled iron fence runs along the front of the tomb. A stained glass window fills the top of the photograph. Printed in white ink along the bottom of the photograph, "117. Tombeau du Duc de Brézé (Cathédrale). N.D."