Dance of Death: The Pope

1526

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Dance of Death: The Pope is a 1526 by Hans Holbein the Younger, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Hans Holbein the Younger
When & what style?: 1526 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This woodcut shows a group of skeletal figures in a crowded scene. One skeleton wears a pope’s crown and holds a skull, while others carry crosses or lean on staffs. The background has a mix of buildings, clouds, and tangled lines, giving it a busy, chaotic feel. The title *Dance of Death* hints this is part of a series where skeletons mock powerful people. The artist used sharp lines and bold contrasts to make the scene stand out. Next, look up Hans Holbein the Younger to see more of his striking work.