Graftombe c. 1619

Angelo Falco created this engraving, "Graftombe," in the 17th century using delicate lines to bring forth a scene that balances sorrow with the celestial. The composition is structured around a stark contrast between earthly repose and divine ascension. Notice the horizontal weight of the tomb base, grounding the image and providing a stage for the sorrowful figure draped across it. Above, the Virgin and Child are framed within a radiant halo, a visual echo of hope and spiritual fulfillment. The cherubic figures scattered throughout, some mournful, others bearing symbols, act as intermediaries between these realms. This contrast is more than mere decoration; it reflects a profound contemplation on mortality and the promise of transcendence. The stark lines carve out a space where the earthly and divine intersect, challenging us to consider how loss and faith intertwine within the human experience. Through this carefully constructed visual language, Falco invites us to reflect on the deeper structures of belief and mourning.