What does the term 'gisant' refer to in art?

The term 'gisant' specifically refers to a representation of a recumbent figure, particularly in funerary art, typically depicting a deceased person lying in repose. In many historical contexts, these figures are often featured on tombs or monuments, and they may include various iconographic details that reflect the individual's status, profession, or other significant aspects of their life.

In this context, the option that describes dogs at the feet of a dead person as guiding them to the afterlife aligns with certain artistic traditions where animals are included in funerary contexts, symbolizing loyalty or companionship in death. The imagery often serves to enhance the narrative surrounding the individual’s journey into the afterlife, reinforcing themes of loyalty and protection.

The other options do not fit the term's specific meaning. Sculpture of a standing figure relates to a different artistic representation, landscape painting does not connect with the concept of a reclining or deceased figure, and ornate architectural styles pertain more to building and design rather than the representation of figures in art. Each of these options falls outside the established definition and context of the term 'gisant.'