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Death as Assassin, 1851 (wood engraving)
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Death as Assassin, 1851 (wood engraving)
XJF143235 Death as Assassin, 1851 (wood engraving) by Rethel, Alfred (1816-59); Private Collection; (add.info.: the outbreak of cholera at the Masked Ball in Paris; ); German, out of copyright
Media ID 12725117
© www.bridgemanart.com
Band Bones Epidemic Fleeing Musical Instruments Symbolism Symbolist Dying Strangler
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Death as Assassin, 1851 - A Haunting Depiction of the Cholera Pandemic
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This wood engraving by Alfred Rethel, titled "Death as Assassin" transports us back to the year 1831 when a devastating cholera pandemic struck Paris. The image captures the chaos and despair that engulfed the city during this time. Intricately detailed, the print showcases a scene from a masked ball where revelers are seen in elaborate costumes. However, amidst the festivities, Death lurks in their midst, depicted as an ominous figure with skeletal features and a menacing presence. With bony fingers wrapped around his victims' throats, he personifies both disease and mortality. The artist's symbolic portrayal of Death highlights not only its physical manifestation but also its psychological impact on society. The fleeing figures represent those desperately trying to escape their inevitable fate while others lie dead or dying around them. Adding to the eerie atmosphere are scattered musical instruments abandoned by musicians who have succumbed to illness or fled in fear. These silent reminders serve as poignant symbols of disrupted joy and shattered dreams. Rethel's work serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's vulnerability in times of epidemic outbreaks. It invites contemplation on our own mortality and forces us to confront our fears surrounding death itself. Displayed here is just one example from Fine Art Finder’s private collection—an evocative piece that continues to resonate today due to its timeless themes and masterful execution.
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