Author: unknown
Date: 1759
Material: Wood, polychrome. Heraldic colours dominate: gold, blue
Technique: woodcut, painting
Dimensions, mm: 2670 x 1620
Restoration: The epitaph was restored in 1959–1962.
Wooden epitaph of Riga city Obervogt, Elterman of the Great Guild and Riga city Councilor Valentin Grawe (29.07.1692-16.03.1755).
The epitaph of Valentin Grawe is a composition characteristic of wooden epitaphs with a strictly pronounced two-part division: in the upper part a coat of arms, in the lower part – an inscription plate with a text in German, which gives brief information about the deceased..
The lower part is shaped like a rock ornament card. German version:
„Zum Gedachtnis
Das wohl =Edelgebohrnen Gestrengen und Wohlweisen Herrn Valentin Grave.
Dieser Kayserlichen Stadt Riga Wohlverdient gewesenen Ober = Vogts, welcher 1691 den 29sten July gebohren
Ao 1755 den 16ten Marty gestorben und sein Alter gebracht auf 63 Jahr 7 monathe und 16 Tage”
Larger in size is the upper part with the coat of arms. In the center of the coat of arms is a shield. On the shield – on a blue background is a golden lion with a helmet in its paws. Above the shield helmet with ornament. In the Kleinod is figure of Lion. The mantling of the helmet as acanthus leaves surrounds the shield.
Epitaph of the Valentin Grawe is typical example of wooden epitaphs, which were widely produced during 17th -18th century, but survived to this day only in small numbers. It completes the overall picture of the development of memorial monuments in the art history of Latvia