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Skeleton of death aiming a dart at a lovers on a sofa
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Skeleton of death aiming a dart at a lovers on a sofa
Skeleton of death aiming a dart at a man and woman flirting on a sofa. Death and the Lovers. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Joshua Gleadah after an illustration by Benedictus Antonio Van Assen from The British Dance of Death, Hodgson, London, 1823
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Media ID 23382442
© Florilegius
1808 Aiming Audience Covent Cruikshank Dart Emery Goose Grouse Headings Isaac Lovers Momus Orchestra Pictorial Regency Singer Sings Skeleton Sofa Song Stalls Witch Broadsides
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hauntingly beautiful handcoloured copperplate engraving, titled "Death and the Lovers," captures the moment of reckoning between the Grim Reaper and a blissfully unaware couple on a sofa. The Skeleton of Death, with a mischievous grin, aims a dart at the man and woman, who are deeply engrossed in each other's company. The scene is reminiscent of the Regency era, with the man wearing a fashionable cravat and the woman adorned in an elegant dress. The engraving is based on an illustration by Benedictus Antonio Van Assen, published in "The British Dance of Death," a series of prints that depicted the inevitability of death for all, regardless of social status or wealth. This particular print is a rare survival from the collection, showcasing the unique blend of the macabre and the comic that was popular during the early 19th century. The setting of the print is a theatrical one, with the couple seemingly oblivious to the world around them. Actor John Emery, dressed as Death, strikes a pose, ready to claim his next victim. The orchestra pit and the stalls of the audience can be seen in the background, with the stage and the witch of Covent Garden Theatre adding to the theatrical atmosphere. The print is a testament to the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Regency era, with influences from the works of famous artists and printmakers such as Isaac and George Cruikshank, Momus, and the pictorial broadsides. The humorous headings and captions that often accompanied these prints added to their popularity, making them a staple of the comic song and music hall scene. This engraving, with its intricate details and vibrant colours, is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on the themes of love, mortality, and the passing of time.
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