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The Arms of Death, by Hans Lützelburger, ink, 1526

The Arms of Death

Hans Lützelburger

1526

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Arms of Death is a 1526 ink by Hans Lützelburger, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
Hans Lützelburger
When & what style?
1526 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut painting, "The Arms of Death," features a man and woman standing on either side of a table. The man, dressed in a hat and cloak, gestures towards the table, while the woman, wearing a dress and head covering, looks down at it. On the table, a skull and crossbones are prominently displayed, with a lantern positioned between them. The scene is set against a backdrop of mountains and clouds, adding a sense of depth and atmosphere to the composition. The overall mood of the painting is somber and reflective, inviting the viewer to contemplate the themes of mortality and the transience of life. For more on the artistic techniques used in this piece, explore the world of woodcut art.

About the artist

Portrait of Hans Lützelburger
Artist

Hans Lützelburger

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 page

More by Hans Lützelburger

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