ARNOLFO DI CAMBIO
(b. ca. 1245, Colle di Valdelse, d. ca. 1310, Firenze)

Tomb of Boniface VIII (fragments)

1294-96
Marble
Grotte Vaticane, Rome

The two figures are preserved sections from the funerary chapel of Boniface VIII. The chapel was built under the supervision of Arnolfo di Cambio between 1294 and 1296, and originally formed part of the interior facade of Old St. Peter's. In addition to the recumbent figure of the deceased, there are two angels who originally pulled back a curtain framing the tomb, thus making a uniquely dramatic contribution to the spectacle of the pope's grave.