BARRE, Jean-August
(b. 1811, Paris, d. 1896, Paris)

Mary of Burgundy

before 1844
Bronze, height 46 cm
Art Institute, Chicago

Mary of Burgundy (1457-1482) was the wife of Maximilian of Austria (later Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I), daughter and heiress of Charles the Bold of Burgundy. The marriage of Mary was a major event in European history, for it established the Habsburgs in the Low Countries and initiated the long rivalry between France and Austria.

She met her death at the age of 25 by a fall from her horse on 27 March 1482 near the Castle of Wijnendale. She loved riding, and was falconing with Maximilian when her horse tripped, threw her, and then landed on top of her, breaking her back. She died several days later, having made a detailed will. She is buried in Bruges.

Artist's handwritten name "BARRE" appears in original cast on base.