Extreme Unction, from "The Seven Sacrements" 1767

Lorenzo Zucchi created this print called "Extreme Unction" in the 18th century, part of a series depicting the seven sacraments. It illustrates the Catholic ritual of anointing the dying, a practice deeply embedded in the social and religious fabric of the time. Zucchi, an Italian engraver, reproduced a painting by Giuseppe Crespi, capturing not just a religious rite, but also a moment of intense social significance. Notice how the scene includes not only the priest administering the sacrament, but also onlookers, underscoring the communal aspect of death in 18th-century society. The skull on the floor is a vanitas symbol that serves as a stark reminder of mortality. To understand this work fully, we need to look at the role of the Church in the daily lives of people during that era, its influence on social customs, and the visual language it employed to communicate its teachings. Examining the patronage of the Church and the careers of artists like Zucchi and Crespi can further illuminate how institutions shaped artistic production. Ultimately, this print offers a window into the intertwined religious, social, and artistic practices of its time.