This panel belonged to a set of ecclesiastical ornaments used during Christian ceremonies. In the language of the Church, the colours and the imagery of this object were appropriate for funeral services. The skull and crossbones, a well-established symbol, dramatically reminded the congregation of the transitory nature of life. They appeared on grave stones, monuments and paintings as well as in textiles.
During the Counter-Reformation from the second half of the 16th century, the Catholic Church encouraged the revitalisation of the arts and in particular their role in arousing intense emotion. Different media were used publicly to produce awe and fervour among the faithful during church services, including funerals.