Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon
Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon, Cadaver tomb in Saint-Étienne Church, Bar-le-Duc, France
Description
The Cadaver Tomb is a limestone sculpture housed in the right transept of Saint-Étienne Church that depicts a skeletal figure standing upright with one arm extended outward. The work displays meticulously carved details of human decomposition carved in pale stone.
History
This monument was created by sculptor Ligier Richier between 1544 and 1547 to commemorate René de Chalon, who died at age 25. The death occurred during the siege of Saint-Dizier, a military event of that era.
Culture
This sculpture embodies the late medieval view of death as a natural part of human existence, showing the body's transformation rather than an idealized image. Visitors encounter a direct confrontation with mortality that was meaningful to people of that era.
Practical
The sculpture is located in the right transept of the church and is easy to find once you enter the building. Taking time to view it from different angles allows you to appreciate the carved details at your own pace.
Did you know?
The left hand of the statue originally held René de Chalon's actual heart in a reliquary, which disappeared during the French Revolution. This special practice linked the physical depiction of death with a personal relic of the deceased.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Bar-le-Duc).
Castle of the Counts and Dukes of Bar
470 m
Église Saint-Étienne
17 m
Tour de l'Horloge
350 m
Église Saint-Jean de Bar-le-Duc
564 m
Église Saint-Antoine
550 m
Notre-Dame du Guet
1 m
Hôtel de Florainville
73 m
Hôtel de Salm
97 m
Tour Heyblot
149 m
Fontaine de la place de la Fontaine
257 m
Maison de la Gabbe
148 m
Hôtel de la Bessière
123 m
Hôtel de Radouan
65 m
Maison Morel
184 m
Hôtel de l'Escale
102 m
Immeuble, 4 place Saint-Pierre
162 m
Immeuble, 22 rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau
508 m
Immeuble, 7 place de la Fontaine
275 m
Immeuble, 25 place Saint-Pierre
64 m
Immeuble, 10 place Saint-Pierre
150 m
Immeuble, 8 place Saint-Pierre
151 m
Immeuble, 14 place Saint-Pierre
117 m
Hôtel particulier, 16 rue du Tribel
85 m
Chapelle dominicaine Saint-Louis de Bar-le-Duc
427 m
Maison, 3-3bis place de la Halle
159 m
Immeuble, 55 rue des Ducs-de-Bar
97 m
Immeuble, 29 rue des Ducs-de-Bar
166 m
Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Bar-le-Duc
439 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes