Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Art > Dance
Frontispiece with skull, hourglass and sacred heart
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Frontispiece with skull, hourglass and sacred heart
Frontispiece of noble man and woman in 16th century Swiss costume standing beside an allegorical escutcheon with skull, helmet, Times hourglass, skeleton and sacred heart. Mortalium Nobilitas. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by David Deuchar from The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein, Coxhead, London, 1816
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23194122
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Allegory Frontispiece Hans Heart Holbein Hollar Hourglass Nobility Noble Sacred Scroll Skeleton Skull Swiss Wenceslaus Deuchar
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Wenceslaus Hollar
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Dance
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
> Popular Themes
> Dance
EDITORS COMMENTS
This frontispiece, titled "Mortalium Nobilitas," showcases a nobleman and woman in elegant 16th century Swiss attire, standing before an intricately designed allegorical escutcheon. The escutcheon, a heraldic emblem, bears powerful symbols that represent the transience of life and the importance of spirituality. At the center, a skull, a stark reminder of mortality, is crowned with a helmet, symbolizing the protection that wealth and status provide, yet ultimately cannot shield one from death. An hourglass, with its sands relentlessly flowing, represents the passage of time. A skeleton, holding an hourglass, signifies the Grim Reaper, the embodiment of death. The noble couple, seemingly oblivious to the macabre scene before them, clasp a scroll bearing the inscription "Memento Mori," a Latin phrase that translates to "Remember that you will die." This serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living each moment to the fullest. The sacred heart, a symbol of love, compassion, and spirituality, offers hope and consolation amidst the stark reminder of mortality. This powerful image, created as a handcoloured copperplate engraving by David Deuchar from The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein, is a testament to the enduring themes of life, death, and the human condition. Originally published by Coxhead, London, in 1816, this frontispiece continues to resonate with viewers, reminding us of the fragility and beauty of life.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
