MEDIEVAL SCULPTOR, German
(active 1230s)

Tomb of Henry the Lion (detail)

1230s
Limestone
Cathedral, Braunschweig

Henry the Lion (1129-1195) was Duke of Saxony (1142-1180) and Duke of Bavaria (1156-1180). He aimed to establish a unified dominion, but was overthrown and exiled in 1180 by his cousin, Emperor Frederick I. He is buried in the St Blasius Cathedral in Braunschweig, together with his wife Matilda, Duchess of Saxony.

The picture shows the effigy of the Duke on his tomb.