Tomb of Maria of Hungary, Gothic marble sculpture in Santa Maria Donnaregina Vecchia, Naples, Italy.
The Tomb of Maria of Hungary is a Gothic marble sculpture within Santa Maria Donnaregina Vecchia in Naples. A marble sarcophagus rests on four sculptured virtues, while angels pull back curtains to reveal the reclining figure of the deceased queen.
The monument was created in 1325 by sculptors Tino di Camaino and Gagliardo Primario on commission from King Robert of Anjou for his mother Maria. It was relocated from its original position during the reconstruction of the ancient church.
The monument displays seven small niches holding statues of the queen and her family members, including Saint Louis of Toulouse and Robert of Anjou. This arrangement revealed the status and importance of the royal family within medieval Neapolitan society.
The monument stands on the left wall of the church nave and can be viewed from the central aisle. Visitors should note that the church interior is quite dim, so a flashlight or smartphone light helps reveal the fine details of the marble and carved work.
The queen appears twice on the monument: once in Franciscan habit kneeling before the Madonna and once as a reclining figure on the sarcophagus. This dual representation shows both her spiritual life and her royal dignity after death.
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