Auch ein Todtentanz I
1849
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Alfred Rethel
Alfred Rethel (1816–1859) was a German artist, born in Aachen.
See the richer artist page1849
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Auch ein Todtentanz I is a 1849 ink by Alfred Rethel, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white engraving shows a group of skeletal figures and robed people walking in a line. The skeletons hold hands with the living, who look serious or sad. One figure carries a skull, another holds a sword, and a few wear crowns or fancy clothes. The scene looks like a parade or march, with a dark, uneven ground beneath their feet. The title says "Dance of Death," a common theme where skeletons remind people that death comes for everyone. The artist used sharp lines and shading to make the figures stand out. Next, check out engraving to see how artists like this one carved detailed images into wood.
Alfred Rethel (1816–1859) was a German artist, born in Aachen.
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