Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, Sepulchral monument in Lucca Cathedral, Italy
The Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto is a sarcophagus in Lucca Cathedral with a recumbent marble figure on top. The sides show garlands with putti and the sculpture depicts a young woman in a flowing gown.
Paolo Guinigi commissioned Jacopo della Quercia to create the monument between 1406 and 1408 after his wife died at age 26. The work was later moved to the cathedral sacristy.
The name Ilaria appears in the inscription along the base and recalls a young noblewoman from a Genoese family. Visitors often notice the fine folds of the gown and the small dog symbolizing loyalty resting at her feet.
The sculpture sits in the cathedral sacristy and can be accessed during regular opening hours. The work stands on a low platform and can be viewed from several angles.
A 2012 investigation showed that the remains were never placed in this sarcophagus. They were instead found in the Church of San Francesco.
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