Portrait of a gentlewoman, XVIII century (oil)

Bergamo, Museo Bernareggi: "Portrait of a gentlewoman", oil painting, by Bergamo artist (XVIII century).From the mid- eighteenth century, the territory of Bergamo, the Sacred Triduum of the Deadwas introduced. This solemn celebration, lasting three days, generally fell during the winter months , when the break from work in the fields could allow a wide participation . On this occasion, the preaching concerned the last four events which man encounters at the end of his life: death , judgment, heaven or hell . In the church a series of paintings depicting dressed skeletons were hung. They were supposed to remindthe faithful of equality before the death , the vanity of worldly goods and the transience of earthly life.