Pleurants

Pleurants are a term used in historical and art historical contexts to refer to carved figures that appear to be weeping or in mourning. These figures are often found on funerary monuments, particularly effigies and tomb sculptures. They are typically depicted with their hands raised to their faces, their heads bowed, and their bodies contorted in grief. The realism of their expressions and gestures is a notable feature, conveying a strong sense of sorrow and lamentation.

The practice of including pleurants on tombs became particularly prevalent in the late medieval period, especially in Burgundy and Flanders. They served as symbolic representations of the mourners at a funeral, adding a layer of emotional depth and narrative to the tomb. These figures were often arranged in processions around the sarcophagus, creating a visual representation of the funeral cortege and the collective grief of the deceased's family and community. Notable examples can be found on the tomb of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, both dukes of Burgundy, where numerous small pleurant figures are meticulously carved. The artistry involved in these figures highlights the medieval fascination with detailed representations of human emotion and the rituals surrounding death and remembrance.