Who painted Dance of Death: The Bishop?

Dance of Death: The Bishop was painted by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1526.

Where can I see Dance of Death: The Bishop?

Dance of Death: The Bishop is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Dance of Death: The Bishop?

Dance of Death: The Bishop is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Dance of Death: The Bishop?

Museum-quality prints of Dance of Death: The Bishop are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Dance of Death: The Bishop

Hans Holbein the Younger , 1526

Dance of Death: The Bishop is a print by the Renaissance artist Hans Holbein the Younger. It dates from 1526 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1929.150
Credit line: Dudley P. Allen Fund

About this work

Overview

Dance of Death: The Bishop is a woodcut created by Hans Holbein the Younger around 1526. It is part of a series illustrating the medieval allegory of the Dance of Death, where Death leads figures from various social classes in a procession.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bishop, adorned in elaborate robes and accompanied by a staff, being surrounded by dancing skeletons. The scene conveys themes of mortality and social equality, common in art from the Reformation era.

Technique & Style

Holbein employed sharp lines and bold contrasts to create a striking image, characteristic of his work in the Northern Renaissance style. The use of woodcut technique allowed for mass production, reflecting his contributions to printmaking.

Context

The work is part of a series that critiques the social hierarchy by depicting Death's universality. Created during a time of significant cultural and religious change, it reflects the era's preoccupations with mortality and the transience of earthly power.