Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/76

52 his predecessors, including Suger, to be transferred, in 1259, and placed under two arches adjoining to the great door of the cloister. Some persons have inclined to regard the two effigies under consideration as commemorative figures then placed where the remains of these dignitaries had been deposited. It will be observed that both these abbots are pourtrayed wearing the mitre and sandals, with the mass-vestment. The parura of the dalmatic, in one figure, that vestment being distinguished by the side-fringes, is enriched with fleurs-de-lis and marguerites, supposed to be allusive to Marguerite of Provence, and introduced in many decorations of her time. The privilege of the mitre, pontifical ring and sandals, had been conceded by Pope Alexander III. to the abbots of St. Denis, about the year 1177. The Bull of Pope Gregory IX., in 1228, reciting this privilege, with the addition of the use of the chirothecæ, or pontifical gloves, grants the further concession of the tunic and dalmatic, with permission to give the solemn benediction. This grant was obtained by Pierre d'Auteuil, who survived only six months to enjoy these much esteemed privileges. The propriety with which the gesture of these figures is varied thus appears,—that attributed to Adam represents him bearing a book, probably the textus, or evangeliary, in his right hand, whilst Pierre d'Auteuil appears with hand upraised in benediction, in accordance with the privilege conceded to him. It must, however, be noticed that the dalmatic, with its side-fringes and broad parura in front, appears on both figures. The extremities of the stole are seen beneath.

As the existing examples of incised memorials of the thirteenth century are very rare, it seems material to examine minutely all evidence serving to establish their precise date. This consideration must be an excuse for entering so fully into details which may appear tedious to some readers.

The figures are placed within trefoiled arches, resting on slender lateral shafts, the bases of which are now lost. Above, on either side, appears an angel issuing from clouds, swinging a censer with the right hand, and holding in the left the naveta, or ship for incense. It deserves remark, that the crook of the pastoral staff is in both instances turned inwards: this, as some French antiquaries affirm, is in