Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/401

 NOTICES OF FOEEIGN SEPULCHRAL BRASSES. 287 The monumental portraitures, here represented, are now preserved in the vestibule of a charitable institution, or hospital, in the Place St. Pharailde, at Ghent, destined for the maintenance of a certain number of poor women, founder's kin, who reside in the establishment. The brasses represent Willem Wenemaer, the benevolent founder, who was slain in 1325, and his wife. They are now affixed to the wall, having been removed from the original tomb, probably when the hospital was rebuilt ; and in the adjoining chapel a modern memorial may be seen, of far less appropriate character. Under the figures is the following inscription, of much later date than the period of their execution : — Memorle va mer Willem Wenemaer die verslaghe was va Robbrecht vR Cassel te recklyn den 5^ luly A° 1325, en va mer vravwe Margriete sbrune zyne Gheselnede die overleet op onser vravwen avont in September A° 1352, en hebbe dit hospital met Beede hverlieder goede ghefodeert en ghesticht eii mer vravwe noch 28 iare tamelick beleet in habyte efi raeesterschappe naer mer Willems doot voorseit. Bidt over de zielen. 1589. This inscription may be thus rendered : — To the memory of William Wenemaer, who was slain by Robert of Cassel, at Recklyn, on July 5, 1325, and of Madam Margaret Sbrunen, his wife, who died on the eve of our Lady, in September, 1352. They founded this hospital, and endowed it with the goods of both ; and the said lady survived and exercised the government of it about 28 years after the death of the said William. Pray for their souls. 1589. The remarkable display of military costume, presented by the curious figure of Willem Wenemaer, demands some detailed description. The peculiarities of the interesting period of transition between defences of mail, and armour of plate, are here strikingly illustrated ; and the minute accu- racy, with wdiich every detail is expressed, may justify the conclusion that the engraver had under his view an actual suit, probably the identical equipment of the gallant Willem. The gesture and design of the figure strikes the eye as con- strained and unnatural. In English monumental effigies of the same age, the peculiarity of local fashion appears in the crossed legs, whilst the ungraceful bend of the person, here costume, chiefly collected in the Nether- interest in reference to the gilds and fra- lands, and entitled " Vade-Mecum du teruitiesof our own country, claim especial peintre, reeueil de Costumes," &c., '2 a'oIs. notice. They may bo obtained on ajipli- 4to., and his more i-ecent " Recherches cation to Mons. Do Vigno, Rue Ciiarles- Historiques sur les Costumes Civils et Quint, at Ghent, or through Messrs. Militaires des Gildes," a work of no slight Harthes, Great Marlborough Street.