Author: unknown
Date: 1623, 1886
Material: stone, metal.
Technique: stone carving
Dimensions, mm:
Restoration: Reconstructed in 1886 by August Volz (1851–1926) taking the Eke commemorative medal minted in 1601 as a model.
The metal fence was made at C. G. Bergmann’s factory of strongboxes, art forgings and construction locksmiths’ works (Fabrik für Geldschränke, Kunstschmiede- und Bauschlosser-Arbeiten).
Tomb of the Burgomaster and Burg Graf Nicolaus Ecke (1541–1623).
Nikolausa Eke was one of the most educated and richest patricians of Riga. In 1583, he became a burgrave, a representative of the Polish king. It developed a strong opposition against him in the city of Riga. The oposition drove him out of the city twice. However, the Polish king suppressed the opposition both times and appointed Eki back to his old position. The hatred of the opposition continued even after Eke’s death. One night Eke’s posthumous monument was defaced, the head, arms and legs, which were made of alabaster, were smashed.
The tombstone initially was set up in the so-called Ecke Chapel by the north aisle; the chapel was purchased by Ecke together with Jobst Reimers and Hans Meine for 1500 marks in 1580.
The deceased is represented lying on his back, with eyes open and hands in a praying position on the chest, dressed in a long, luxurious cloak under which there is a secular outfit with a ruff collar.
Inscriptions: on the fence metalwork – N. ECK. / BVERGERMEISTER / UND BVRGGRAF. /A0 . 1623.