Half Elevation and Half Ground Plan for a Catafalque for an Electress Palatine 1696 - 1756

Giuseppe Galli Bibiena’s "Half Elevation and Half Ground Plan for a Catafalque for an Electress Palatine" (1696-1756) is a detailed architectural drawing of a catafalque, a temporary structure erected for a funeral. The drawing combines a ground plan on the left, showing the base and shape of the structure, and a partial elevation view on the right, depicting the elaborate decorative elements. Bibiena, known for his theatrical designs, uses intricate ornamentations and a sense of grandiosity characteristic of Baroque architecture. This drawing, a preparatory work for a grand funeral celebration, showcases the artist’s expertise in creating breathtaking architectural illusions.