Death Taking a Couple by Surprise

About this work

This black-and-white print shows two women sitting at a table, dressed in fancy old-fashioned clothes. One holds a glass, the other a book, while a skeleton with a crown looms behind them, holding a scythe. The room looks rich, with a big window, a carved chair, and a table full of food and cups. Outside, a garden is visible through the glass. The skeleton’s sudden appearance hints at death catching people off guard—even the wealthy. The Dutch text at the bottom roughly means "death sits closer than we know." Next, check out how etching works to see how artists like this made detailed prints.