Praalbed van de overleden kardinaal-infant Ferdinand van Oostenrijk, opgebaard in de Sint-Gudulekerk te Brussel, 1641 1641

This etching, created by Pieter de Jode in 1641, depicts the funeral of Cardinal-Infant Ferdinand of Austria in the Saint Gudule Church in Brussels. The artwork is a detailed representation of the solemn event, capturing the presence of the deceased on a bier, surrounded by mourners and clergy. The central figure of Ferdinand lying in state within the church, along with the multitude of figures and the intricate details of the church interior, creates a powerful and evocative image of grief and solemnity. This historical depiction offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the 17th century, and the importance of the Catholic Church in the Habsburg Empire.