Artwork
Pompe funèbre de Polixène de Hesse-Rhinfels

Pompe funèbre de Polixène de Hesse-Rhinfels is an ink print by the Baroque artist Charles-Nicolas Cochin I. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Pompe funèbre de Polixène de Hesse-Rhinfels is a 1735 print by Charles-Nicolas Cochin I, capturing a lavish funeral scene within a church, characterized by ornate details and solemn atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The print commemorates the funeral of Polixène de Hesse-Rhinfels, depicting a grand, mournful ceremony replete with symbolic religious elements, such as statues, angels, and robed figures, underscoring the dignity and reverence of the occasion.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching and engraving on laid paper, the work features sharp lines and expressive shadows, highlighting Cochin I's skill in conveying dramatic depth and opulence through precise, traditional printmaking techniques.
History & Provenance
Created in 1735 by Charles-Nicolas Cochin I, specific provenance details are not provided, though the work's existence suggests it was part of the artist's output during this period, potentially commissioned for noble or religious patrons.
Context
This print reflects 18th-century European funeral rituals among nobility, showcasing the intersection of religious and aristocratic traditions in mourning practices, with the church setting and elaborate decor signifying the deceased's high status.
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