Pa. German Death Certificate c. 1937

This death certificate, created by Albert Levone sometime between 1855 and 1995, is made with what looks like watercolor, a technique that gives the artwork a delicate and translucent quality. Imagine Levone, bent over the paper, carefully applying each stroke. The lettering is so deliberate, each curve and flourish speaking to a tradition that honors memory and craftsmanship. The red and green floral patterns around the edges feel both celebratory and poignant, like a bittersweet farewell. I am really drawn to the central inscription, framed by vivid colors and careful detail, which hints at the transition from one world to another. It’s as if Levone is not just marking an end, but also making a bridge. I think of other artists like Hilma af Klint, who also explored spiritual themes in their work. You see, painting, in its own way, lets us ponder the unknown and make sense of our own place in the grand scheme of things.