Catafalque 1731 - 1772

This print of a catafalque comes to us from the Austrian artist Jeremias Gottlob Rugendas. The image presents an elaborate, temporary structure designed to honor a deceased person of high status. Made in the 18th century, this piece reflects the Baroque style, with its ornate details and dramatic presentation. These catafalques were statements of power, reinforcing social hierarchies and the importance of lineage within the aristocratic societies of the time. The architecture, with its classical columns, statues, and heraldic symbols, evokes the authority and grandeur of the ruling classes. Understanding the social function of such imagery requires that we look into the cultural context in which it was produced. Prints such as this one give us insight into the performative aspects of power and the visual strategies employed by institutions to legitimize their authority. By researching period sources, we begin to appreciate the complex interplay between art, power, and society.