Graftombe van Johannes Polyander van Kerkhoven (1594-1660) 1829 - 1879

Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben created this print of the tomb of Johannes Polyander van Kerkhoven in the nineteenth century. The somber scene with its monochromatic palette evokes a feeling of reverence. The composition is structured around a strong horizontal axis formed by the tomb itself, which anchors the piece visually. Above, a dark, arched recess frames the scene, drawing the eye to the recumbent figure atop the tomb and the escutcheon above it. The figure's pose, reclining with head resting on hand, introduces a diagonal line that softens the otherwise rigid geometry. Reckleben’s use of engraving allows for meticulous detail, seen in the intricate folds of the figure’s drapery and the subtle gradations of shadow. This technique enhances the sense of depth and realism, inviting the viewer to contemplate themes of mortality and remembrance. The artist uses the semiotic language of funerary art to explore cultural attitudes toward death, inviting us to reconsider the visual and emotional codes embedded within such representations.