Design for Half Elevation and Half Ground Plan of a Catafalque for Countess Palatine of the Rhine, Theresia Catharine, wife of Count Palatine, Charles Philip III (1716-1742). 1742

This 1742 drawing by Italian architect and stage designer Giuseppe Galli Bibiena is a design for a catafalque, an elaborate structure for displaying a deceased person's body, for Countess Palatine Theresia Catharine. It depicts the plan and partial elevation of the structure, showcasing Bibiena's masterful use of perspective and geometric forms. The design emphasizes symmetry and grandeur with a complex arrangement of platforms, pillars, and ornamentation. The details of the design, such as the patterned columns and sculpted figures, highlight the opulence of the Baroque period. This artwork, a testament to Bibiena's architectural vision, demonstrates the meticulous planning and artistry that went into ceremonial structures of the era.