Pleurant

Pleurant is a term that can refer to several things, most commonly a sculptural motif. In art history, a pleurant is a figure depicted in mourning, often found on funerary monuments such as tombs and effigies. These figures are characterized by their gestures of grief, such as weeping, covering their faces, or holding their heads in their hands. Pleurants were particularly popular in medieval art, especially in France and the Low Countries, where they adorned the tombs of royalty and nobility. They served as a visual representation of the sorrow and loss experienced by the deceased's family and community.

The term pleurant can also be used more broadly to describe any representation of weeping or lamentation. In literature, a pleurant character is one who expresses profound sadness or grief. In some contexts, pleurant might also refer to a specific type of plant or flower known for its drooping or weeping habit. However, its most established meaning relates to the artistic depiction of mourning figures. The presence and style of pleurants can offer valuable insights into the funerary practices, religious beliefs, and emotional expressions of past societies.