Otto Küchler auf dem Totenbett, von links 1896

This pencil drawing by Hans Thoma captures Otto Küchler on his deathbed, a scene laden with the symbolism of passing and remembrance. Notice the serene upward gaze, a posture reminiscent of countless depictions of saints and martyrs throughout art history, suggesting a soul ascending. The flowers, softly framing the head, echo ancient funerary rites, where blossoms symbolized rebirth and the ephemeral nature of life. This motif travels through time, from classical garlands to Pre-Raphaelite elegies, each iteration carrying echoes of sorrow and hope. The act of portraying the deceased is itself a powerful gesture, a ritual preserved across cultures, aimed at immortalizing the individual and grappling with mortality. This image resonates with the deep human desire to transcend death, tapping into our collective memory of loss and the enduring quest for meaning in the face of it.