Catafalque for Duke Alessandro Farnese; from 'Libro De Catafalchi, Tabernacoli, con varij designi di Porte fenestre et altri ornamenti di Architettura' 1593

This engraving by Giovanni Maggi depicts the elaborate catafalque constructed for the funeral of Duke Alessandro Farnese in Rome in 1593. It was part of a book showcasing designs for temporary structures, like funeral biers, popular at the time. The image creates meaning through its combination of classical architectural elements and symbols of death and nobility. Farnese was a prominent figure in the Spanish Netherlands, and this monument reflects the political and social order of the time. The catafalque blends artistic styles with the expectations of aristocratic patronage, demonstrating the cultural norms upheld by powerful families and religious institutions. Historical research can help us interpret the symbolism and appreciate the monument's role in shaping cultural memory. The image's value lies in the web of social and institutional contexts.