The Dance of Death: The Astrologer; The Rich Man

1526

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

The Dance of Death: The Astrologer; The Rich Man 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 a skeleton dancing with a richly dressed man. The man holds a globe and points upward, while the skeleton tugs at his sleeve. Around them, other skeletons play instruments and hold a baby. The background looks like a fancy room with tall columns and arched windows. The skeletons remind us that death comes for everyone, no matter how powerful. The globe in the man’s hand suggests wealth or knowledge won’t save him. Next, look up Renaissance to see how artists used death as a theme in this era.