Funereal Cartouche with Inscription and Sketches of Skeletons and Ornamental Details 1628

Baccio del Bianco's "Funereal Cartouche with Inscription and Sketches of Skeletons and Ornamental Details," a 1628 drawing, offers a glimpse into the artist's creative process. The central cartouche, surrounded by skeletal figures and ornate details, serves as a testament to the memento mori tradition. This theme, emphasizing mortality and the fleeting nature of life, was a prevalent motif in art during the 17th century. The inscription, "Funebro del Signro inuocando Dio" (The Funeral of the Lord, Invoking God), reinforces the somber tone of the artwork. The numerous sketches around the cartouche, depicting skeletal figures and decorative elements, suggest that del Bianco was experimenting with different compositional possibilities for his final design. This drawing, held by The Art Institute of Chicago, is an example of Baroque art's exploration of death and spirituality.