Tomb Effigy Bust of Marie de France (1327-41), daughter of Charles IV of France and Jeanne d'Evreux 1376 - 1386

This ivory bust was created by Jean de Liège in the second half of the 14th century. It depicts Marie de France, the daughter of King Charles IV, who died at only thirteen years old. Fashioned during a time when royal succession and lineage were paramount, this effigy embodies the political and social expectations placed upon women of nobility. Marie’s serene, idealized features, framed by an elaborate, fashionable headdress, offer a glimpse into the visual culture of the French court. While the bust commemorates Marie's individual life, it also underscores her role as a symbol of royal continuity and prestige. The smooth ivory material and the detailed carving indicate the luxury and refinement associated with the French monarchy. Consider the emotional impact of memorializing a young woman who died so young; it evokes a poignant reflection on mortality, memory, and the weight of dynastic expectations in the medieval era.