Elevation of a Catafalque with a royal Crown surmounting the Casket 1696 - 1756

Giuseppe Galli Bibiena rendered this drawing of a catafalque with pen and brown ink in the 18th century. The structure, designed to honor royalty, is adorned with symbolic figures and motifs. Observe how the statues stand resolutely, holding torches, and the intricate crown surmounting the casket. The motifs of the torch-bearer and crown are ancient symbols that recur throughout history in various forms. The torch, a beacon of enlightenment and hope, contrasts with the somber occasion of a royal death. Royal crowns have always signified authority and divine right, yet here it sits atop a casket, a stark reminder of mortality. Consider ancient Roman funerary monuments or even Egyptian sarcophagi: These symbols transcend time, connecting past and present. The crown, for instance, appears in various forms across cultures, from laurel wreaths to papal tiaras. They evolve, yet retain their essence of power and legitimacy. The emotional power of these images engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. In essence, Bibiena’s work is not just a design for a temporary structure, but a powerful statement about the cyclical nature of power, death, and remembrance. These symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.