Dance of Death: The Trumpeters of Death

1526

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Dance of Death: The Trumpeters of Death 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 black-and-white print shows skeletons playing trumpets and dancing. One skeleton holds a big drum. Others are walking or leaning on tools. The background looks like a church with arches. The title at the top reads *"Gebeyrn aller menschen"* in old German letters. The skeletons seem to be mocking living people. This kind of image was meant to remind folks that death comes to everyone, no matter who you are. Next, check out Hans Holbein the Younger to see more of his work.