Ground Plan of the Catafalque for Anna Cristina, Wife of Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy 1696 - 1756

Editor: We are looking at “Ground Plan of the Catafalque for Anna Cristina, Wife of Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy” created between 1696 and 1756 by Giuseppe Galli Bibiena. It's a detailed drawing and print showcasing architecture. I'm struck by its geometric precision and somber feel. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: This plan invites us to consider the Baroque era’s fascination with spectacle and power, particularly in the context of mourning rituals. It depicts the architectural design for a catafalque – a temporary structure erected to honor a deceased individual of high status, in this case, a Savoy queen. The precision you notice is key to understanding Baroque aesthetics. Editor: I see. So, it’s not just a design, but a reflection of societal values? Curator: Absolutely. Think about the resources, the labor, the sheer artistic effort channeled into commemorating a woman. Yet, who was Anna Cristina beyond her royal title? Her individual story is somewhat eclipsed by the monument intended to immortalize her, pointing to a complex relationship between gender, power, and memory. This was during a time of stark power imbalance, was it not? Editor: Definitely. So, the drawing isn’t simply about architectural design, but speaks to the cultural and political landscape of the time, specifically around female visibility? Curator: Precisely. And perhaps even, what does it mean for a woman to be monumentalized in death but possibly constrained in life? Consider the layers of meaning embedded within this intricate design. Editor: This gives me a completely new perspective! Thanks. I will now see similar artworks through an entirely different lens. Curator: It has been a pleasure to provide that lens. Now you can appreciate how this one print, though old, remains highly relevant to modern concerns.