The works displayed in the lapidary hall of the Cloister serve four main functions. Some stones were carved as baptismal fonts, others as funerary slabs. Others still were used as decorated architectural elements, and finally, some were transformed into commemorative slabs. This lapidary collection spans from the 10th to the 16th century and forms a unique museum ensemble.
Baptismal fonts
Among the stone sculpture on display in the Cloister, the most remarkable of them are the stone baptismal fonts. They date from the 12th century and mostly come from the Meuse valley. They are decorated with motifs inspired by architecture, flora, and Christian symbolism. Compositions with human figures are rare, appearing on only two examples.
Funerary slabs
Some funerary slabs, such as that of Knight Engelbert III of Enghien and his wife Ida of Avesnes, clearly bear secular attributes. The knight died between 1243 and 1246, while his wife had already passed away in 1217. It is not known exactly when the slab was engraved, but it was probably in 1217, with the effigy of the knight added later. Other slabs are unmistakably religious in character, such as that of Abbess Sybilla, who died in 1358.
Contact
- Emile Van Binnebeke: e.vanbinnebeke@kmkg-mrah.be