Skip to main content

Secondary sourceSculpture13th century

Tomb Effigies of Eleanor and Henry II

Unknown · 13th century

Painted stone effigies lying at Fontevraud Abbey, made long after Eleanor's death to commemorate her and Henry II.

This tomb effigy commemorates Eleanor after her death, showing how she was remembered as queen and duchess.

Ask Eleanor of Aquitaine about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Close-up of a painted stone effigy head resting on a pillow, with a white wimple or headdress framing the face. The face has carved eyes and features, and the paint is worn, showing red and blue tones. Part of a shoulder and a folded fabric drape appear below.
Unknown sculptor, Tomb effigies of Eleanor and Henry II, 13th century. Fontevraud Abbey, France.

About this source

What it is

These are carved stone effigies at Fontevraud Abbey, showing Eleanor of Aquitaine and her husband Henry II lying in state. They were made in the 13th century, after both had died, by an unknown sculptor.

Why it matters

Effigies like these were common ways for medieval royal families to be remembered. The effigy of Eleanor shows how later generations wanted her pictured — crowned, calm, and dignified — rather than showing exactly what she looked like in life.

Look closer

  • What does the pose and expression suggest about how Eleanor was meant to be remembered?
  • Why might the sculptor not have known Eleanor personally, and how does that affect how 'real' this image is?
  • What details (clothing, headdress) hint at her status?

This sculpture is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Eleanor of Aquitaine on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Eleanor of Aquitaine sources

Meet the AI Eleanor of Aquitaine →
Close view of a recumbent stone effigy with painted surfaces. A carved hand holds an open book, and a carved head rests on a pillow with a cushion-like support behind it. Dark background.Sculpture

Primary source

Grave of Eleanor of Aquitaine

A rock crystal vase with a textured, faceted glass body set in gilded metal mounts decorated with filigree, blue and purple gemstones, and an inscription band around the foot. Displayed on a pale green surface in a museum.Artifact

Primary source

Crystal Vase of Eleanor of Aquitaine

c. 600 (object), given in the 12th century

Close-up detail of a stained-glass window in red, gold, white and blue glass with black lead lines. Centre shows a pale face with dark outlined eyes, brow and mouth, framed by a white garment. Gold-painted figure visible at left.Artifact

Primary source

Crucifixion Window of Poitiers Cathedral

c. 1165-1170

Medieval manuscript page with a painted illumination: a woman in a blue robe with a gold belt stands within a gold-leafed arch framed in blue, raising one hand, beneath a red and blue building and red brick towers. Page number 56 at top left.Book

Primary source

Psalter of Eleanor of Aquitaine

c. 1180

Aerial oblique view of the Fontevraud Abbey complex: a large monastic building with steep slate roofs, a tall white stone tower on the left, a green cloister garden in the center, surrounded by outbuildings, walls, trees and a paved courtyard.Artifact

Primary source

Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

Robert of Arbrissel · founded 1101

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Eleanor of Aquitaine now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions