Catafalque in the Cathedral of Piacenza for Odoardo Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza
1647
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1647
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a towering, ornate structure made of wood and metal. It looks like a giant, decorated platform with steps, columns, and carvings. At the top, there’s a cross with angels and a crown, and below, small figures stand around it. The whole thing is packed with intricate details—scrolls, candles, and fancy railings. This is a funeral setup for a duke, built inside a cathedral. The artist used lines to create deep shadows and textures, making it look almost three-dimensional. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
