This is a drawing of a skeleton and allegorical scenes with death. In the center, there is an elaborate framed depiction of a skeletal figure representing death, holding a scythe and engaging with figures in medieval attire. The setting appears to be a medieval courtyard, with arches and Gothic architectural elements. Surrounding this central narrative is an ornately detailed architectural frame that includes pilasters topped with urns or decorative vases and two female figures holding vessels on either side. At the bottom, a skeleton is artistically displayed, forming a memento mori theme. The drawing uses intricate line work to depict these rich textures and elaborate details.
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This is a drawing of a skeleton and allegorical scenes with death. In the center, there is an elaborate framed depiction of a skeletal figure representing death, holding a scythe and engaging with figures in medieval attire. The setting appears to be a medieval courtyard, with arches and Gothic architectural elements. Surrounding this central narrative is an ornately detailed architectural frame that includes pilasters topped with urns or decorative vases and two female figures holding vessels on either side. At the bottom, a skeleton is artistically displayed, forming a memento mori theme. The drawing uses intricate line work to depict these rich textures and elaborate details.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Abbess

Wenceslaus Hollar after Hans Holbein the Younger after Abraham van Diepenbeeck

Date
1651
Medium
etching with border "Time and Eternity" (Pennington 233C)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.4888
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
  • Costume
  • Statue
  • Building
  • Figures
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 7810. 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.