The Funeral! c. 19th century

Editor: This is "The Funeral!" by August Gaber. It feels like a series of snapshots depicting a somber occasion. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a deliberate commentary on societal rituals surrounding death. The triptych format, coupled with the accompanying text, suggests a narrative. Notice how the composition directs our gaze, emphasizing the performative aspects of mourning. How does this public display of grief reflect the socio-political expectations of the time? Editor: It’s interesting to think about funerals as performances shaped by society. I hadn't considered that. Curator: Exactly. Art often serves as a mirror reflecting, and sometimes critiquing, these social norms. It makes you wonder, what other unseen forces are at play here?