The sculpted epitaph

A groundbreaking translation and photographic documentation of the longest sculpted epitaph on a medieval tomb in western Europe reveals a 1,700-word Latin inscription commemorating João I, King of Portugal, and his wife Philippa of Lancaster at the Monastery of Batalha. This 15th-century monument challenges traditional perspectives by straddling the intersection of text, image, art, and literature, offering new insights into the evolving status and function of epitaphs during a pivotal period in European history when attitudes toward written and sculpted words were undergoing radical transformation. The study complements ongoing initiatives at Batalha, including the exhibition 'Places of Prayer' (2015) and the interpretation project 'Revealing Medieval Colours,' providing a comprehensive analysis that bridges historical, artistic, and literary disciplines.

Barker, J. (2017). The sculpted epitaph. Sculpture Journal, 26(2), 235–248. https://doi.org/10.3828/sj.2017.26.2.7