Graftombe van de heren van IJsselstein

The Graftombe van de heren van IJsselstein, or the Tomb of the Lords of IJsselstein, is a remarkable 14th-century funerary monument located in the Reformed Church of IJsselstein, a quaint town in the Netherlands. This historical gem stands as a testament to the rich and tumultuous history of the region, commemorating the lives of the lords of IJsselstein and their spouses.

The History of the Lords of IJsselstein

The story of the Lords of IJsselstein begins with Gijsbrecht van Amstel, who inherited the title after his father's death. Gijsbrecht's life was marred by political turmoil, particularly after the murder of Floris V, Count of Holland, in 1296. Gijsbrecht's uncle, Gijsbrecht IV van Amstel, was implicated in the murder, leading to Gijsbrecht's imprisonment and the siege of IJsselstein Castle. His wife, Bertha van Heukelom, valiantly defended the castle for a year before surrendering. The family's fortunes were restored when Gijsbrecht's son, Arnold, married Maria van Avesnes, the daughter of Guy of Avesnes, Bishop of Utrecht. This union resulted in the return of their confiscated properties.

Gijsbrecht van Amstel founded the Sint-Nicolaaskerk (St. Nicholas Church), which was consecrated in 1310 by Guy of Avesnes. Arnold succeeded his father as the Lord of IJsselstein and was granted the titles of IJsselstein, Benschop, and Noord-Polsbroek by the Countess of Holland in 1346. He proudly adopted the title of Baron of IJsselstein in 1348.

The Creation of the Tomb

Guyote van IJsselstein, the daughter of Arnold van IJsselstein, commissioned the construction of the Gothic tomb in the Sint-Nicolaaskerk to honor her parents and grandparents. The tomb, likely crafted in Tournai, is the oldest of its kind in the Northern Netherlands. The monument features four recumbent effigies, or gisants, depicting the deceased in a state of eternal prayer. Unlike typical reliefs, these figures are fully sculpted, giving the impression of standing statues laid horizontally.

The tomb is unique in that it depicts not one or two, but four individuals: Gijsbrecht van Amstel, Bertha van Heukelom, Arnold van IJsselstein, and Maria van Avesnes. This arrangement is rare, with only one other known example in Western Europe, the tomb of the Mathefelon family in the Abbey of Chaloché, France.

Restorations Through the Ages

The tomb was rediscovered in 1850 by L.J.F. Janssen, a curator at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden. At the time, the monument was concealed by wooden paneling, which had been installed to protect it from damage and to provide seating for churchgoers. Janssen could only examine the tomb through a small door in the paneling.

In the years that followed, the tomb was moved from the north transept to the choir and restored by the sculptor Edouard François Georges. Further restorations were carried out by Lambert te Riele in 1908 and again after a devastating church fire in 1915-1916. The most recent restoration took place in 1983. The church, along with the tomb of the Lords of IJsselstein and the tomb of Aleida van Culemborg, was designated a national monument in 1970.

A Closer Look at the Tomb

The tomb, crafted from Namur stone, measures four meters in length and over two and a half meters in width. At its head, a canopy adorned with Gothic arches and finials shelters the effigies. Each arch features a trefoil design beneath a gable with crockets and a finial. Below these arches, the shields of the Van Amstel family are displayed in relief for the men, while the women’s shields bear the alliance coat of arms.

The effigies are arranged in pairs, with Gijsbrecht van Amstel and Bertha van Heukelom on the left, and Arnold van IJsselstein and Maria van Avesnes on the right. The men are depicted in armor, with shields bearing the Van Amstel coat of arms at their left sides. At their feet lies a lion, symbolizing strength and courage. The women are dressed in long gowns and veils, with a dog at their feet representing loyalty. All four figures have their hands clasped in prayer over their chests.

Visiting the Graftombe van de heren van IJsselstein is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the lives and legacy of a noble family that played a significant role in the history of IJsselstein. This extraordinary monument, with its intricate details and fascinating history, is a must-see for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of the Netherlands' past.