Catafalque - Definition and Overview

A catafalque is a raised bier or (often movable) platform of sorts used to support the casket or coffin of a person during a funeral or memorial service.

The term originates from the Italian catafalco, which means scaffolding. The most notable Italian catafalque was the one designed for Michelangelo by his fellow artists in 1564.

In the United States, during the lying-in-state under the Capitol Rotunda, the casket is placed on catafalque first used for Abraham Lincoln's funeral in 1865. This catafalque has been used for all those who have lain in state in the Capitol Rotunda. When not in use, the catafalque is kept below the Crypt in a small vaulted chamber called Washington's Tomb, which was originally intended, but never used, as the burial place for George Washington.

The U.S. catafalque is a simple bier of rough pine boards nailed together and covered with black cloth. Although the base and platform have occasionally been altered to accommodate the larger size of modern coffins and for the ease of the attending military personnel, it is basically the same today as it was in Lincoln's time. Presently the catafalque measures 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm) long, 2 feet 6 inches (76 cm) wide, and 2 feet (61 cm) high. The attached base is 8 feet 10 inches (269 cm) long, 4 feet 3-1/2 inches (131 cm) wide, and 2 inches (5 cm) high. The platform is 11 feet 1 inch (338 cm) long, 6 feet (183 cm) wide, and 9-1/4 inches (23.5 cm) high. Although the cloth covering the catafalque has been replaced several times, the style of the drapery is similar to that used in 1865.

Reference

• Architect of the Capitol (http://www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/catafalque.htm)