To Bury the Dead, from The Works of Mercy 1656 - 1657

Sebastien Bourdon made this print, ‘To Bury the Dead,’ which is part of ‘The Works of Mercy’ series. The print visualizes one of the key tenets of Christian charity: proper burial for the deceased. Bourdon, working in 17th-century France, skillfully uses the print medium to spread such messages, reflecting the powerful influence of religious institutions on artistic production at the time. The detailed etching presents a scene of communal mourning, set against a backdrop of classical ruins, blending religious morality with cultural reverence for antiquity. The choice to depict acts of mercy in this detailed, public format underscores the period's emphasis on visible piety and social responsibility. To fully appreciate Bourdon's work, one can research the role of the Catholic Church and the rise of charitable organizations in 17th-century France. Understanding these elements of social and institutional context provides a richer understanding of the meaning of art.