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Skeleton of Death killing a Count with his own escutcheon
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Skeleton of Death killing a Count with his own escutcheon
Skeleton of Death killing a Count with his own escutcheon. On the ground is his helmet and a flail, symbol of his oppressed vassals. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Wenceslaus Hollar from The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein, Coxhead, London, 1816
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Media ID 23194164
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Armour Count Dagger Escutcheon Flail Hans Holbein Hollar Oppression Shield Skeleton Wenceslaus
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting hand-colored copperplate engraving by Wenceslaus Hollar, titled "Skeleton of Death killing a Count with his own Escutcheon," is an evocative reminder of the inescapable nature of death. The image is derived from Hans Holbein's iconic series, "The Dance of Death," which depicted death as a skeleton, indiscriminately claiming the lives of all, regardless of social status or wealth. In this particular scene, the Skeleton of Death stands triumphantly over a fallen Count, who lies on the ground, his lifeless eyes gazing up at the skeleton's menacing figure. The Count's once proud escutcheon, a symbol of his noble lineage, is now being used as a deadly weapon by the Skeleton, driving a sword through the Count's chest. The Count's helmet and flail, emblems of his power and authority, lie discarded on the ground, symbolizing the futility of earthly possessions and the oppression they can bring. The Count's other weapons, a sword and a dagger, are also nearby, seemingly abandoned in his final moments. The Skeleton's other hand holds a dagger, further emphasizing the duality of life and death, and the inevitability of the latter. The intricate details of the engraving, from the folds of the Count's robes to the veins on the Skeleton's bones, add to the overall sense of realism and mortality. This poignant image serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, regardless of one's station in life. The use of hand-coloring adds an additional layer of depth and emotion to the already powerful imagery, making it a truly captivating work of art.
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