Posmrtný portrét K. Horvath-Stansithovej, rod. Kissovej

Slovenský maliar z 3. tretiny 17. storočia

So-called catafalque portraits are a peculiarity of 16th and 17th century Hungarian painting. The nobility relished the opportunity to stage splendid funeral marches and the portraits served as reminders of the deceased's appearance for the mourners, including family members who were late for the actual ceremony. These artworks now serve as a source of historical research (since they often include written details and dates), and they also offer a view into contemporary dress and furnishings of aristocratic homes, depending on the social status or wealth of the deceased. But they are much less reliable when it comes to the actual appearance of the deceased. Since they were often painted during the latter's life, sometimes during youth, these portraits strongly adhere to type and idealisation. Text: Dušan Buran Literature: Nestex : impermanent slovak national gallery exhibition. Bratislava : SNG (2015)