Archaeologists have made a discovery in Rennes, France, while opening a coffin under an old Jacobin convent that was being restored.

Inside a lead coffin, researchers found a well-preserved, "fresh" body who, after analysis, belonged to Louise de Quengo, a Breton noblewoman who died in 1656. Archaeologists were amazed to find her skin, that they described as supple, and clothes in a well-preserved state of decomposition.

Rozenn Colleter, a researcher with France's INRAP, a state-sponsored organization that performs preventive archeology before any construction in the country, said the body was entombed in the coffin for 358 years. "We never expected to find a body in this type of condition," she said.

Upon discovery, Colleter said archaeologists had to act fast to maintain the body's preservation. "It was necessary to keep the body at 4 degrees Celcius (39F) for no more than 72 hours to be able to conveniently study it," she said.

The body of Louise de Quengo was sent through an MRI, then her clothes removed for restoration. After archeologists removed a drape that covered the entire body, they discovered that Madame de Quengo was holding a crucifix, still in her hands. After they removed her clothes, her body was autopsied

Along with her body, archaeologists discovered a lead reliquary in the shape of a heart on top of her coffin. Upon reading the inscription, they were able to determine Madame de Quengo's identity. The reliquary also explained that the heart of her husband was contained inside and confirmed his location in a church in the same city.

Archaeologists plan to re-entomb the noblewoman in Rennes, nearly 400 years after her death, later this year.

Her restored clothes will remain on display.

Study of the well-preserved body discovered in a lead coffin at a Jacobin convent in Rennes, 2015. The study took place after removing the clothes from the body for conservation.



Removal of one of five lead coffins from the heart of the church of a Jacobin convent in Rennes, 2013.

About 800 coffins were discovered by archaeologists, of which five were made of lead. One of those contained a body in an exceptional state of preservation. The study represents a look into the funerary practices of elites from the 17th century.




Lead coffin discovered in a Jacobin convent in Rennes, 2015. This unique trapezoidal coffin includes a cross ornating the lid and contained the body of Madame de Quengo.

The metal was perforated near the head by a mechanical device before archaeologists intervened.



The lead tombs were opened by archaeologists who sought to preserve the metal but also to prevent the escape of dangerous gases and fungi in the confined spaces.



(top) These skeletons were well preseved, showing that embalming had taken place.

(bottom) Archaeologists prepare to open Madame de Quengo's coffin, unaware for what they're about to find.

(top) A first scan of the clothed body evaluated the preservation of organic tissue, not visible under the clothes.

(bottom) Archaeologists undressed Madame de Quengo to study and preserve her clothes and to perform an autopsy.

Restored button boots belonging to Louise de Quengo.



Three restored bonnets worn by Louise de Quengo.



A Heart of lead found on the tomb of Louise de Quengo, dame de Brefeillac.

The identification of the body was possible from the inscriptions of the lead reliquary that contained her husband's heart, who is buried elsewhere in the same city.



Shoes discovered on the body of Louise de Quengo. After restoration, the shoe resembled a part of its original shape, showing materials made of wood and leather.