Rheinisches Landesmuseum, Bonn

Detail of the grave mosaic of Abbot Gilbert from the crypt of Maria Laach Abbey, c.1152. Gilbert, the first abbot of Laach Abbey, died in 1152. Since the church was not yet finished, he was buried in the crypt. Only the upper half survives, which has a living portrait of the abbot in the robes and signs of his office (staff with crozier). The figure is partially covered by an inscription full of praise, which roughly translates as follows:

"Outstanding by his birth, more outstanding still by his services, here lies Abbot Gilbert, a standard of virtue for all who hold the office of abbots or monks. He died on August 6, when the sun was in the sign of Leo. He rests in blessed peace."

The gravestone of Abbot Gilbert is one of the oldest with a representation of the deceased and is the only one with a mosaic in Germany.