Elevation of a Catafalque: Four Large Obelisks at the Corners with Large one Surmounting the Top. 1720 - 1740

Giuseppe Galli Bibiena created this drawing, Elevation of a Catafalque, with pen and brown ink. The composition is dominated by the symmetry and verticality of the architectural structure, particularly the obelisks. The visual impact is one of grandeur and formality. Bibiena's drawing functions as a study in Baroque theatricality. The elaborate ornamentation and towering obelisks suggest a stage set designed to evoke awe. The architectural elements are treated as semiotic signs; obelisks, for instance, traditionally symbolize power and remembrance. The work engages with ideas about representation and spectacle. In this context, the catafalque—a structure supporting a coffin—becomes a stage for the performance of mourning. Bibiena's design uses scale and detail to challenge conventional perceptions of space and perspective. The drawing destabilizes the boundary between architecture and stage design, between reality and representation. The linear precision, combined with the ornate detailing, transforms what could be a somber monument into an extravagant display. This piece is a fascinating demonstration of how formal elements can converge to create meaning and evoke emotional and intellectual responses.