This is a drawing of a cloaked figure interacting with a skeletal figure amidst ornate and symbolic elements. The central image depicts a skeletal figure with a crown, holding a spade and a staff with a crown hooked on it, engaged in a dynamic pose against a cloaked figure holding a book and a yoke. The backdrop reveals a picturesque countryside with small structures, trees, and clouds in the sky. Surrounding this scene, the border is adorned with symbolic items such as crowns, masks, and what appears to be a papal tiara. These items rest atop columns where two armored figures flank the central scene, one holding a spear and shield while the other leans on a club. Below the main scene, a Latin inscription is etched into the frame, referencing Proverbs 5:23. Additionally, the base of the image features an arrangement of objects including a skull, hat, and sword. The entire artwork is intricately detailed, illustrating a theme of life, death, knowledge, and power through its symbolic and allegorical elements.
Read the visual description

This is a drawing of a cloaked figure interacting with a skeletal figure amidst ornate and symbolic elements. The central image depicts a skeletal figure with a crown, holding a spade and a staff with a crown hooked on it, engaged in a dynamic pose against a cloaked figure holding a book and a yoke. The backdrop reveals a picturesque countryside with small structures, trees, and clouds in the sky. Surrounding this scene, the border is adorned with symbolic items such as crowns, masks, and what appears to be a papal tiara. These items rest atop columns where two armored figures flank the central scene, one holding a spear and shield while the other leans on a club. Below the main scene, a Latin inscription is etched into the frame, referencing Proverbs 5:23. Additionally, the base of the image features an arrangement of objects including a skull, hat, and sword. The entire artwork is intricately detailed, illustrating a theme of life, death, knowledge, and power through its symbolic and allegorical elements.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Abbot

Wenceslaus Hollar after Hans Holbein the Younger after Abraham van Diepenbeeck

Date
1651
Medium
etching with border "Minerva and Hercules" (Pennington 233B)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.4887
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Dance of Death [Pennington 233-262]

Subjects and terms

  • Death
  • Bohemian
  • Statue
  • Skull
  • Man
  • Writing
Provenance

Fritz Rumpf [1856-1927], Potsdam (Lugt 2161); (sale, C.G. Boerner, Leipzig, May 7-9, 1928, lot 588); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA (Lugt 1760b), 1928; gift to NGA, 1943.

NGA object ID 7809. 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.