Śmierć w domu - wokół ceremoniału pogrzebowego w okresie późnego baroku

Abstract

Funeral ceremonies of the Baroque period had a theatrical and even performative nature which was full of symbolism. During the ceremony, the message of the organizers as well as the role of the audience were equally important in both their perception and behavior. The ceremony, in keeping with the Christian commitment to a dignified burial, had to meet the accepted standards in the world of the nobility which showed the level and status of the family. In this article I will analyse certain groups of people involved in the organization of the funeral as well as the preparatory steps which changed the daily rhythm of life and the assignment of responsibilities in a nobles house. These people, working together, (family, relatives and professionals), contributed to the final performance that was the funeral ceremony and its accompanying rich artistic setting.