Old Woman
1651
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1651
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Old Woman is a 1651 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
The image depicts a woman in a long dress, her right arm raised and her left arm resting on a skull. She stands in front of a border adorned with various symbols, including a scythe, an hourglass, and a skeleton. The border is decorated with flowers and other ornaments. In the center of the border, an inscription reads "Melior est Mors quam Vita" and "Eccles. 30." The overall atmosphere of the image is one of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The use of skulls and other symbols of death serves as a reminder of the inevitability of mortality. The image is a powerful allegory that encourages the viewer to reflect on the transience of life. To learn more about the artist behind this work, explore the Baroque movement and its influence on art.
