Rooms-katholieke rouwstoet, uitvaartsdienst en begrafenis 1724

Bernard Picart created this print titled "Rooms-katholieke rouwstoet, uitvaartsdienst en begrafenis" using engraving techniques. The composition is divided into three horizontal panels, each depicting a stage of a Roman Catholic funeral. The detailed use of line creates a textured surface, defining the architecture, clothing, and figures. The tonal range, achieved through varying densities of line, enhances the emotional weight of the scene. Each panel presents a distinct spatial arrangement. The upper panel shows the funeral procession outdoors. Below, the middle panel captures the solemnity of the body laid out in the choir. The bottom panel depicts the conclusion of the ceremony, where holy water is sprinkled. The organization of these panels creates a narrative flow, guiding the viewer through the ritual. Picart uses a semiotic structure to convey the cultural codes and religious values associated with death and mourning, inviting us to consider the structured rituals that frame human experiences.