Beschilderde sarcofaag 1887 - 1900

This is a photograph of a painted sarcophagus, made by G. Lekegian & Co. The photo's black and white tones obscure the original sarcophagus’s materials, which were most likely carved wood, gesso, and polychrome paints. It seems safe to assume that the sarcophagus was made using a combination of woodworking, painting, and maybe even some rudimentary forms of gilding. The amount of labor involved in crafting a sarcophagus would have been immense, requiring skilled artisans and considerable resources. The materials used were often chosen for their symbolic properties, reflecting beliefs about the afterlife and the deceased's status. By understanding these elements, we can appreciate how the making process itself imbues the artifact with cultural significance, as its construction was a performative act loaded with spiritual meaning. So, the next time you encounter an object like this, remember to look beyond its aesthetic appeal and consider the complex interplay of materials, labor, and cultural context that shaped its creation.