The Lady and Death

The Lady and Death

Sebald Beham

1541

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving depicts a woman in a long dress and hat, facing a skull wearing a jester's cap. The woman holds an hourglass, while the skull grasps a flower. The scene is set against a backdrop of plants and a fence. The woman's dress features a decorative belt and a long train, and she wears a cloak over her arm. The skull, adorned with a jester's cap, adds a sense of irony to the scene. The hourglass and flower symbolize the fleeting nature of life. The intricate details and symbolism in this engraving invite further exploration. To learn more about the artist's use of allegory, look up the Renaissance movement.

More by Sebald Beham

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app