Doma Caliopia Radulesc Burial Chamber

 

The burial chamber of Doma Caliopia Radulesc is a 5x7 meter chamber decorated with murals on all sides, depicting her noble accomplishments.

One scene seems to depict her as a child, singing in front of some important looking nobles.

CHALLENGE

21C using Music or Singing skill

It is likely this painting represents a young Caliopia singing for King Mihiu IV, who was the last ruler of the Kingdom of Tulosz before its dissolution. The King was known to be insular and out of touch, surrounding himself with sycophantic nobles whose principal job was to entertain and distract him from the financial troubles of the Kingdom (which would eventually cause its collapse). Being called to perform for the King was highly prestigious.

Another image depicts her as the Celestial Xiophoene, the Goddess of Music, with a line of 99 luthiers each presenting her their finest lutes.

CHALLENGE

21C using Music or Theology

The Celestial Xiophoene is said to have called the 99 finest craftspersons of each individual musical instrument to present to her their best work. From these she chose the finest of each, and assembled the Celestial Orchestra.

In another scene she stands holding a palette and a brush, whose tip is right at the edge of the mural in the corner of the room. The mural on the adjoining corner is not quite finished at the edge, suggesting that she, herself, is the painter of these murals.

CHALLENGE

21C using Artist skill (any specificity)

Caliopia Radulesc is known as a minor noteworthy painter from the post-Imperial period. The majority of her works were indeed murals - many of which were in noble houses and are now lost - though a few still remain in churches in and cathedrals across the Plains of Bulostioi.

Aside from the murals, the chamber itself is decorated with exquisitely carved wooden furniture, gilded with gold leaf and inset with sulphur and lapis gems. The upholstery is silk and remains in fine condition after over two centuries. A lute rests on the chaise, made from spruce, with inlaid ivory and silver decorations. In the center of the room, the sarcophagus of the Doma is open, and sulphur powder is scattered across the floor. Two canopic jars presumably intended to contain her organs rest in the corner but these are empty. In the east wall is an iron gate leading to her treasure room.