Catafulque for Fernando I, Duke of Tuscany, from Descritione dell'Esequie fatte in Roma dalla Natione Fiorentina al Serenissimo Ferdinando III Gran Duca di Toscana Il dì 22 di Giugno 1609 1609 - 1610

This print by Giacomo Mascardi depicts a catafalque, an elaborate structure erected to honor Fernando I, Duke of Tuscany, in 1609. Its visual impact stems from the etching process, where the design is bitten into a metal plate with acid, and then printed. The catafalque itself is rendered with meticulous detail. Notice the dense clusters of candles, classical columns, and draped fabrics. These elements aren't just decorative, they signify power, wealth, and the solemnity of the occasion. Etching allows for a remarkable range of tones and textures, from the stark black lines defining the architecture to the subtle shading that suggests the play of light on different surfaces. The making of this print involved skilled labor. The etcher, the printer, and the paper maker all contributed to the final product. This print acted as a record of the event, but also as a symbol of Florentine artistic prowess. Looking closely at the print, we can appreciate how materials and processes intertwine with social and political meanings, blurring the lines between art, craft, and propaganda.