
Read the visual description
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
- 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.