Recumbent effigy

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Recumbent Effigy Sculpture in East Hampton, New York
The tomb of Lion Gardiner in East Hampton (village), New York depicts him in the classic recumbent effigy pose. He is shown wearing knight's armor and clutching a sword. This photo is from April 2006.

Recumbent effigy literally means a "likeness lying in repose." It was a sepulchre sculpture practice particularly popular in 16th and 17th centuries on Christian tombs and particularly in England and was used to signify status. The traditional practice was for the deceased to be depicted wearing the vestments of their station and lying on their back. The effigy was placed on top of the tomb. Some variations showed the deceased lying on their side as if reading. Another variation -- the gisant -- depicted the person at death or even in an advanced state of decomposition. Gisant sculptures often had associated sculptures depicting mourners. Some of the greatest examples of the recumbent effigy are for royalty in Westminster Abbey in London.