Funeral in Palestrina c. 1857

Oswald Achenbach painted 'Funeral in Palestrina' using watercolor to capture a scene in Italy, where he lived for an extended period. Achenbach, who came from a family of artists, was very attuned to the social dynamics of the region. The painting depicts a funeral procession in the Italian town of Palestrina. The townspeople in the painting are diverse, and seem to be of different social classes. The painting provides a glimpse into the local culture of the town, showing both the somberness of the funeral and the everyday life of the people. Note how Achenbach uses light to highlight the architectural details while also casting shadows that evoke a sense of melancholy. Achenbach’s paintings often portray the romantic and picturesque qualities of Italy. They reflect his deep engagement with the local environment. His ability to capture the emotional atmosphere allows viewers to consider the intersections of community, ritual, and identity in the town of Palestrina.