Catafalque for Ranuccio II in the Church of the Steccata
1695
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a towering, ornate funeral structure in a church. It’s made of carved wood and metal, with spiraling columns, flickering flames, and a crown on top. Candlesticks line the sides, and a draped coffin sits in the center, surrounded by swirling scrollwork and religious symbols. The detail work is wild—every corner has curls, crosses, and tiny figures. This was built for a funeral in 1695, but the artist, Alù, packed it with dramatic flair. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this made precise, layered prints.
