Catafalque for a Cardinal 1600 - 1700

This anonymous drawing titled *Catafalque for a Cardinal* from the 17th century is an architectural design for a temporary structure used to display the deceased body of a high-ranking church official. The intricate design showcases a multi-tiered structure with a central archway, flanked by decorative columns and topped with a dome. The design features a series of winged figures, likely angels, symbolizing the deceased's passage into the afterlife. This architectural drawing, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, demonstrates the artistic skill and attention to detail employed in the construction of such symbolic structures during this era.