
Read the visual description
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
- 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.