Design for a Catafalque 

This is an anonymous design for a catafalque, created with pen and brown ink, and graphite on laid paper. Catafalques, which are temporary structures used to support a coffin for a funeral, were often highly ornate, demonstrating the status of the deceased. While the origin of this design is unknown, it reflects a broader European tradition, particularly prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries, where elaborate funeral displays served as public spectacles of mourning and power. These structures often incorporated architectural elements borrowed from classical antiquity. They were used to reinforce social hierarchies. The design’s classical motifs and attention to detail reflect the artistic conventions and the social values of that time. By studying the design and its historical context, we can gain insight into the cultural norms, artistic practices, and institutional structures that shaped its creation. Resources in social and institutional history can shed light on the broader significance of such designs within their specific cultural and historical contexts.