The 'Scaliger Tombs' (Italian: ''Arche scaligere'') is a series of funerary monuments in
Verona, celebrating the
Scaliger family, who ruled in Verona from the 13th to the late 14th century.
The tombs are located in separated court of the church of Santa Maria Antica. Built in
Gothic style, they are a series tombs, each in the shape of a small temple and covered by a baldachin. According to the French historian
Georges Duby, they are one of the most outstanding examples of
Gothic art.
The tombs are placed within a
wrought iron enclosure decorated with a stair motif, in reference to the Italian meaning of the name of the family, della Scala. The tombs are those of the following notable members of the Scaliger dynasty:
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Cangrande I. This was the first tomb built, in the 14th century, according to the will of the deceased, the most famous Scaliger ruler of the city. The designer was the architect of the church of
Santa Anastasia, who planned it in the shape of a Gothic tabernacle, supported by richly harnessed dogs ('' meaning "Big dog" in Italian). On the sepulchre's cover is the recumbant statue of the lord, characterized by an unusual smile. The selpuchre is decorated on each side by high-reliefs with religious themes and bas-reliefs with military themes. On the summit of the baldachin was once an equestrian statue of Cangrande, now replaced by a copy (the original is in the museum of
Castelvecchio).
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Mastino II. Begun in
1345, this tomb was modified during its construction. It was originally painted and gilted, and is enclosed by a railing with four statues of the Virtues at the corners. The faces of the funerary urn are decorated by religious motifs; on the sepulchre cover lies again the defunct's statue, guarded by two angels. The baldachin has religious themes sculpted on the pediment, and is also surmounted by the equestrian statue of Mastino II.
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Cansignorio. Dating from
1375, and most richly decorated. It was designed by
Bonino da Campione, and has sculptures portraying warrior saints, Gospel characters, the Virtues and the Apostles, and the big equestrian statue of Cansignorio.
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Alberto II. Unlike the others, it has no baldachin but only a sarcophagus, though richly decorated. It dates from
1301.
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Giovanni. This monument is hanging from the church's wall. It was finished in 1359 by Andriolo de' Santi, and until 1400 it was located in the church of San Fermo Maggiore.