Epitaaf 1731 - 1788

"Epitaaf," a design for an epitaph, is a 1731-1788 etching by Swedish artist Johann Esaias Nilson. The intricate design, filled with ornate rococo flourishes and two cherub figures, is a testament to the popularity of this style in the 18th century. The blank space on the monument suggests its intended purpose, which is to display a written inscription commemorating the deceased. Today, the artwork is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.