Grafmonument met de kroning van Maria in reliëf 1831 - 1904

Arnoud Schaepkens made this detailed drawing, "Graft Monument with the Coronation of Mary in Relief," in the 19th century. Schaepkens, living in a time of burgeoning interest in historical preservation, captures an imagined 16th-century funerary monument, reflecting the cultural fascination with the past. The image is rich with religious symbolism typical of the period. The coronation of Mary at the top signifies her elevated status, while the depiction of what seems to be the Virgin and Child being honored below speaks to themes of piety and reverence. Yet, the image also subtly reinforces the patriarchal structures of the time, where religious narratives often served to justify social hierarchies. Consider the emotional weight of a grave. Schaepkens gives us not just an image, but a reflection on remembrance, faith, and the societal values embedded in such monuments. How do these historical representations shape our understanding of religion, power, and the stories we tell about ourselves?