Gisanten Jan and Joanna, sober but stylish

In the side wall of the Sint-Ambrosius Church, you can see a remarkably large grave marker made of Maasland limestone. The suggested individuals are Jan van Hoen and his wife Joanna van Gulpen. The stone dates back to the 17th century. What we now see as an upright stone outside the church originally lay flat horizontally on an elevated sarcophagus made of black marble in the choir of the old church of Rummen.

The figures seem to be indecisive between lying and standing, but the head is clearly resting on a pillow. The hands are folded in prayer and the eyes are closed. The individuals are in the prime of their lives, at about 30 years old. This was an idealization of reality as Joanna was an old woman when she died. This typical representation is called a 'gisant'. There are only a few to be seen in Hageland.

Although the figures are significantly larger than a normal person from that period, the presentation is quite realistic. Jan has the hairstyle characteristic of that period: long locks, a neat middle part, a mustache, and a goatee on the chin. Over his armor, he wears a tabard. At the wrists, you can see the pleats of the linen undergarment, the so-called 'gauntlet'. On his left side, he carries a long, sharply pointed sword, a 'rapier', on a shoulder strap. The lion at his feet signifies not so much bravery, but especially authority and power.

Despite her noble and wealthy background, Joanna is simply dressed. The loose curls that come together in a bun are modestly covered by a triangular 'coif' and a long headscarf. She wears a bodice that tapers to a point at the front. The sleeves appear to be fastened together at the wrists with a ribbon, and here too we see the linen undershirt (ponjetten). Also, take a look at the feet; they are clad in pointed stockings and a type of open sandals with straps (lachets).

That Jan van Hoen was proud of his ancestry is evident from the numerous coats of arms on the sides.

Jan Rymenams