Tomb of a Bishop 1550 - 1600

Battista Angolo del Moro created this print, titled "Tomb of a Bishop", in the 16th century. The Italian Renaissance, with its revival of classical art and humanistic philosophy, deeply influenced del Moro. The print presents a hierarchical vision of the world. At the top, we see the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, symbols of purity and divine authority, watching over a deceased bishop in his tomb. Below, in the bottom register, a crowd gathers to pay their respects. This visual structure reinforces the social hierarchy of the time, with religious figures mediating between the divine and the earthly realms. Consider how the representation of death intersects with the Church's power. In this context, death is not an end but a transition managed and interpreted by religious institutions. As you reflect on this image, think about the power dynamics embedded in religious rituals.