This is a drawing of a skeletal figure interacting with three robed figures and a horse. The scene includes a skeleton wearing a garment resembling classical drapery and raising a hat while gesturing towards the group. Among the figures is a woman holding a sword and shield, another figure with scales, and a horse head in the background. In the right corner, a figure seems to be pointing towards a seated figure. The ground has a small plant, and architectural columns are in the backdrop. German verses at the bottom give additional context. The drawing uses linear and cross-hatched shading common in 19th-century etching.
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This is a drawing of a skeletal figure interacting with three robed figures and a horse. The scene includes a skeleton wearing a garment resembling classical drapery and raising a hat while gesturing towards the group. Among the figures is a woman holding a sword and shield, another figure with scales, and a horse head in the background. In the right corner, a figure seems to be pointing towards a seated figure. The ground has a small plant, and architectural columns are in the backdrop. German verses at the bottom give additional context. The drawing uses linear and cross-hatched shading common in 19th-century etching.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Auch ein Todtentanz I

Alfred Rethel

Date
1849
Medium
wood engraving
Classification
Print
Accession number
1971.28.3
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Auch ein Todtentanz aus dem Jahre 1848

Subjects and terms

  • German
  • Death
  • Skull
  • Sword
  • Figures
  • Writing

NGA object ID 52476. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.