The Latin inscription from Luís da Silveira’s burial mound: a self-image sub specie aeternitatis

Abstract

This paper provides an edition —and studies the meaning and context— of the humanistic inscription visible in the tomb of Luís da Silveira (1483-1534), in the family chapel (Góis, Coimbra), engraved on a book that reads the kneeling down effigy of the deceased. It argues the relationship of this sculptured book with the Books of Hours, despite the humanistic shape of the inscription’s script. Some affinities with other Italian and Peninsular Renaissance tombs are explored too, in particular the tomb of the so-called ‘Doncel of Sigüenza’. In addition, it is explained how the humanistic script of this inscription refers to Silveira’s education in the court of D. Manuel, and how the location in Góis responds to the withdrawal from the court at the end of his life.