Katafalk met obelisk en rookvaten 1772 - 1780

This drawing of a catafalque with obelisk and incense burners was composed by Jean François de Neufforge. Notice how the artist creates a play between vertical and horizontal elements, giving the image a sense of balance. The structure is divided into distinct sections, each contributing to the overall impression of solemn monumentality. The base is solid and geometric, while the upper portions are adorned with classical elements. Columns, statues, and an obelisk combine to create a visually rich structure. The artist uses a restricted palette, which contributes to the somber mood. Neufforge seems to be engaging with broader artistic and philosophical questions about death, memory, and the representation of power through architecture. The catafalque blends architectural design with symbolic representation, and invites us to consider how structures might convey complex cultural meanings.