ROYAL TOMBS AND THEIR DOGS

The Saint-Denis basilica houses the tombs of the kings and queens of France. It is a place full of history housing the tombs of 43 kings, 32 queens and 10 servants of the monarchy. The place is also distinguished by its sculptures. Indeed, during your visit, you will be able to admire no less than 70 medieval recumbents (funerary sculpture showing the person lying down). Not to mention the exceptional tombs dating from the Renaissance. Did you know that several of them have canine representations? For example, on the tomb of Isabeau of Bavaria, wife of King Charles VI, two small dogs symbolize the passage to the afterlife and eternal fidelity. Those of Marguerite of Flanders, wife of Philip II of Burgundy, and Joan of Evreux, wife of Charles IV the Fair, are surmounted by two dogs, a bone between their legs, meaning that the body of the deceased is placed below the recumbent. Historians have identified that in the Middle Ages, people of high rank often had three graves and three recumbents: one of entrails, one of heart and one of body. Thus, Jeanne d'Evreux herself ordered this recumbent well before her death. The two puppies at her feet, with bells on their necks, are quite picturesque. The tomb of Marguerite d'Artois, wife of Louis d'Evreux, is also decorated with two dogs whose front paw is resting on an oak leaf. What symbol? The oak tree symbolizes immortality. The dog associated with the oak would thus guide the deceased towards immortality. The tomb of Philippe, son of the Count of Alençon, is decorated with a hunting dog holding a hare in its mouth. Is this the victory of the deceased over lust and cowardice, two of the symbols commonly associated with the hare? Unless it symbolizes Philip's passion for hunting! Among the other animals frequently represented, let us quote the king of them: the lion naturally. It is at the feet of several kings among which Philip III the Bold or John, the son of St. Louis. Let's also mention the porcupine, emblem of the Valois-Orleans chosen by Louis of France, and the ferret that we find at the feet of Philip of Orleans. Finally, let's finish our overview with, not an animal, but a mythical creature: the dragon. Indeed, it is present at the foot of Marie de Brienne, Empress of Constantinople and wife of Baudouin II of Courtenay. History lovers and unusual anecdotes, don't miss the visit!