Pompe funèbre de Polixène de Hesse-Rhinfels
1735
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1735
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a grand, ornate funeral scene inside a church. Tall black drapes frame the space, and a towering, decorated canopy covers a central casket. Statues, angels, and figures in robes line the sides, while a crowd of mourners kneels below. The walls are packed with carved details, and the ceiling looks like a starry sky. The text at the bottom names it a funeral for Polixène de Hesse-Rhinfels. The artist used sharp lines and shadows to show the drama and richness of the moment. Look up etching to see how artists like Cochin I made prints like this.
