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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

16th-Century Tomb Monument in Pepingen Restored: A Gift from a Wealthy Family

From VRT NWS · (11m ago) Dutch Positive tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A 16th-century tomb monument belonging to the d'Herbais family in the Sint-Martinus Church in Pepingen has been meticulously restored over 18 months.
  • The monument, made of black and white marble, is historically significant as one of the earliest examples of kneeling figures in tomb art.
  • The restoration cost approximately 280,000 euros, with funding primarily from the Flemish government and the municipality of Pepingen.

The Sint-Martinus Church in Pepingen now proudly showcases the fully restored 16th-century tomb monument of the d'Herbais family, a testament to the region's rich history and artistic heritage. This significant restoration, completed over the past eighteen months, has brought a masterpiece back to its former glory, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Het vertoonde barsten en stond op invallen

— Emilia De RijckeDescribing the poor condition of the monument before restoration.

The d'Herbais family, an aristocratic lineage with deep roots in Pepingen, played a considerable role in the community for centuries. Their investment in the Sint-Martinus Church, including this magnificent tomb monument, reflects their enduring connection to the area. The monument itself, a striking 2.5-meter wide and 5-meter high structure in black and white marble, is particularly noteworthy for its early depiction of kneeling figures, a detail that has drawn the attention of art historians from renowned international universities.

We hebben het monument volledig gedemonteerd en opnieuw opgebouwd. Met roestvrije ankers hebben we het gestabiliseerd zodat het opnieuw jaren mee kan. Meteen werd ook een vochtprobleem in de kerkmuur aangepakt en werd ook het glasraam erboven hersteld en ter bescherming voorzien van een voorzetraam.

— Emilia De RijckeDetailing the restoration process.

This restoration project, costing around 280,000 euros, was a collaborative effort, with Flanders contributing 53% and the Pepingen municipality covering 46%. Minister of Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts emphasized the importance of investing in such 'top works' within churches, recognizing their value in telling the story of Flanders and Pepingen. The successful completion of this project not only preserves a piece of art history but also reaffirms the commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage within the region.

We investeren graag in topwerken in onze kerken. In dit verhaal vertelt dit kunstwerk veel over de geschiedenis van Vlaanderen én van Pepingen

— Ben WeytsMinister of Immovable Heritage explaining the significance of the restoration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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