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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
- 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.