1526
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Die Edelfrau (The Noblewoman) is a 1526 ink by Hans Lützelburger, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows a woman in fancy clothes holding a mirror, with a skeleton beside her. The woman looks rich—she’s wearing a hat and a long dress with patterns. The skeleton is holding a bow, pointing at her, and there’s a dog at her feet. The title *Die Edelfrau* (The Noblewoman) hints this might be about life and death. The woman’s fancy clothes contrast with the skeleton’s bare bones, making the message clear. Next, check out how this woodcut technique was used in Renaissance prints.
Hans Lützelburger (died June 1526), also known as Hans Franck, was a German blockcutter ("formschneider") for woodcuts, regarded as one of the finest of his day.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
