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Skeleton of Death comes for the Elector
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Skeleton of Death comes for the Elector
Skeleton of Death comes for the Elector as he exits his palace with his courtiers and ignores a widow and orphan. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Wenceslaus Hollar from The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein, Coxhead, London, 1816
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Media ID 23194156
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Courtiers Elector Ermine Hans Holbein Hollar Orphan Poor Skeleton Wenceslaus Widow
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting hand-colored copperplate engraving by Wenceslaus Hollar, titled 'Skeleton of Death comes for the Elector,' is an evocative image from Hans Holbein's iconic series, 'The Dance of Death.' The elector, draped in ermine, exits his grand palace surrounded by his courtiers, oblivious to the impending arrival of Death personified as a skeleton. Two unfortunate souls, a widow and an orphan, stand nearby, their plight ignored by the privileged group. The Dance of Death, or Danse Macabre, is a series of woodcuts and engravings that depict Death as a skeleton leading various figures from all walks of life to their graves. This particular image serves as a stark reminder of the universality of death and the transience of worldly possessions and power. Wenceslaus Hollar, a renowned Bohemian engraver, created this print in 1642, over a century after Holbein's original series was produced. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the hand-coloring process bring the image to life, heightening the sense of drama and urgency. The elector's indifference to the suffering of the widow and orphan underscores the theme of the Dance of Death: no matter one's station in life, Death comes for us all. This powerful and poignant image continues to resonate with viewers today, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of empathy and compassion.
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