SET OF 4 CATACOMB ILLUSTRATIONS

Rare set of four illustrations from the end of the 19th century evoking the theme of gentlemen explorers of catacombs, in a very neo-gothic style. At that time, the exploration of tombs and catacombs symbolized a quest that was both scientific and spiritual. The remains of the past, whether skeletons , coffins or ancient crypts, fascinated these explorers, often inspired by the rise of archaeology and the discoveries of ancient civilizations.

PERIOD : 19th century
DIMENSION WITH FRAME : 30.5cm X 26cm
SIZE WITH FRAME : 12" X 10.2"

For Victorian elites, exploring burial grounds was not only an adventure, but also a way to confront the mysteries of death and human memory. The catacombs represented a hidden world, where every step could reveal secrets buried for centuries. The Gothic , with its themes of death and decay, fitted perfectly into this fascination with the occult and the unknown, as explorers sought to push the boundaries of knowledge while confronting their own mortality.