Dance of Death: The Pastor

1526

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Dance of Death: The Pastor 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 priest in fancy robes holding a skull. Around him, other people—some rich, some poor—are also holding skulls. The scene looks like a street with brick buildings, and a skeleton is dancing in the background. The skulls and dancing skeleton are a warning about death coming for everyone, no matter their status. The title *Dance of Death* makes it clear this is about life’s fleeting nature. Next, look up Hans Holbein the Younger to see how he used woodcuts to spread these kinds of messages.