Artwork

A Funeral

A Funeral, by Jean-Paul Laurens, 1880
A Funeral, by Jean-Paul Laurens, 1880

A Funeral is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Jean-Paul Laurens. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
2008.368

About this work

Overview

A Funeral is a drawing by Jean-Paul Laurens, an artist known for his somber and macabre subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a bishop's funeral, as indicated by the crosier leaning against the door behind the coffin, reflecting Laurens's interest in church history and clergy.

Technique & Style

Laurens employed a layered technique, combining multiple media and scratching away to create highlights, achieving a nuanced and atmospheric effect in the gloomy scene.

Context

This drawing showcases Laurens's distinctive style, which earned him the nickname 'the painter of the dead', and demonstrates his ability to create complex, evocative compositions.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Paul Laurens

Artist

Jean-Paul Laurens

Jean-Paul Laurens (French pronunciation:; 28 March 1838 – 23 March 1921) was a romanticist French painter and sculptor, and he is one of the last major exponents of the French Academic style.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted A Funeral?

A Funeral was painted by Jean-Paul Laurens in 1880.

Where can I see A Funeral?

A Funeral is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is A Funeral?

A Funeral is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of A Funeral?

Museum-quality prints of A Funeral are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.