Dance of Death I

About this work

This black-and-white print shows three figures walking together. On the left is a skeleton in tattered clothes, holding a drum. In the middle and right are two men in fancy hats and loose robes, looking alive but serious. Behind them is a small town with towers and a church steeple. The skeleton’s drum and the men’s calm faces suggest a warning about life’s fleeting nature. This kind of image was meant to remind people that death comes to everyone, no matter how rich or powerful. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints using metal plates.