The Magnificent O'Connell Funeral Car, Passing the Park in New York City, on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd, 1847 1847

Nathaniel Currier created this lithograph of the O’Connell funeral procession in 1847, presenting a somber yet magnificent scene. The elaborate carriage, sharply defined against the blurred crowd, evokes a feeling of awe mixed with melancholy. The strong horizontal lines of the carriage and its ornamentation establish a rigid structure. This is in contrast to the more gestural rendering of the crowd. The procession almost seems suspended. The lithographic technique, with its precise lines and tonal gradations, enhances the dignity and gravity of the event. The image uses symbolic language, transforming a funeral procession into a cultural statement. The dark drapery and ornate decorations are signs of mourning. The formal structure mirrors the social hierarchy and public performance of grief. The lithograph aestheticizes death, inviting reflection on mortality. It is a poignant meditation on public rituals and the representation of loss. Ultimately, this print illustrates how formal elements combine to shape our understanding of cultural practices.