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Death attending the Pope as he crowns an Emperor
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Death attending the Pope as he crowns an Emperor
Death attending the Pope as he crowns an Emperor attended by cardinals and bishops. Another skeleton in cardinals robes at right. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Wenceslaus Hollar from The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein, Coxhead, London, 1816
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Media ID 23194140
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Abbess Bishop Canopy Cardinals Coronation Hans Holbein Hollar Mitre Pope Robes Skeleton Wenceslaus
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This hand-colored copperplate engraving, created by the skilled artist Wenceslaus Hollar, depicts a unique and intriguing scene from Hans Holbein's iconic series, "The Dance of Death." In this image, Death, personified as a skeleton, attends the Pope as he crowns an Emperor. The solemnity and grandeur of the coronation are underscored by the presence of Death, who dons the robes of a cardinal, subtly reminding the viewer of the inescapable truth of mortality. Surrounding the Pope and Emperor are various cardinals and bishops, their faces etched with expressions of awe and reverence. An abbess, also dressed in religious attire, looks on from the side, adding to the ecclesiastical atmosphere. The Pope wears his mitre and carries a canopy, while the Emperor is adorned with a crown, orb, and sword, symbolizing his earthly power and authority. The intricate detail of the engraving is evident in the folds of the robes, the textures of the fabric, and the delicate lines of the faces. The use of hand-coloring adds depth and vibrancy to the image, making it a stunning work of art that transports the viewer back to the opulence and intrigue of a bygone era. This engraving is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of power and the certainty of death, a theme that resonates deeply with viewers even today. The Dance of Death series, which originated in the 15th century, continues to captivate and inspire artists and audiences alike, offering a unique perspective on the human condition and the passage of time.
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