The Dance of Death: Exhibited in Elegant Engravings on Wood with a Dissertation on the Several Representations of that Subject but More Particularly on Those Ascribed to Macaber and Hans HolbeinDouce, Francis
History
The Dance of Death: Exhibited in Elegant Engravings on Wood with a Dissertation on the Several Representations of that Subject but More Particularly on Those Ascribed to Macaber and Hans Holbein
Douce, Francis
Bible. Old Testament -- Illustrations; Dance of death
An elegant small and anonymous engraving of a young soldier, whom Death
strikes with his dart whilst he despoils him of his hat and feather. At
bottom, six couplets of French verses, beginning "Retire toy de moy O
monstre insatiable." Upright, 3-3/4 by 2-3/4.
A small anonymous engraving of a merchant watching the embarkation of his
goods, Death behind waiting for him. Motto from Psalm 39, "Computat et
parcit nec quis sit noverit, hæres, &c." Upright, 3-1/4 by 1-1/2.
Its companion--Death striking a child in a cradle. Job 14. "Vita brevis
hominum variis obnoxia curis, &c." These were probably part of a series.
An anonymous engraving of a man on his death-bed. On one side, the vision
of a bishop saint in a cloud; on the other, Death has just entered the
room to receive his victim. Oblong, 5-1/2 by 2-1/2.
An anonymous engraving of a woman sitting under a tree. Sin, as a boy,
with PECCATVM inscribed on his forehead, delivers a globe, on which a
serpent is entwined, to Death. At bottom, "A muliere initium factum est
peccati et per illam omnes morimur. Eccl. C. XXV."
A small anonymous engraving of Death interrupting a Turkish sultan at
table. In the back ground, another Turk contemplating a heap of sculls.
A mezzotint by Gole, of Death appearing to a miser, treading on an
hour-glass and playing on the violin. In the back-ground, a room in which
is Death seizing a young man. The floor is covered with youthful
instruments of recreation. This subject has been painted by Old Franks
and Otho Vænius. Upright, 9 by 6-1/2. Another mezzotint of the same
subject by P. Schenck is mentioned by Peignot, p. 19. It is inscribed
"Mortis ingrata musica."
A very singular, anonymous, and unintelligible engraving of a figure that
seems intended for a blacksmith, who holds a large hammer in his hand. On
his right, two monks, and behind him, Death folding his arms to his
breast. Below, writing implements, &c. Upright, 4 by 3.
The triumphal car of Time drawn by genii, and accompanied by a pope,
cardinal, emperor, king, queen, &c. At the top of the car, Death blows a
trumpet, to which a banner is suspended, with "Je trompe tout le monde."
In the back-ground a running fountain, with "Ainsi passe la gloire du
monde." An anonymous upright engraving, 4 by 2-1/2.
A very neat engraving by Le Blon of several European coins. In the centre,
a room in which Death strikes at two misers, a man and a woman sitting at
a table covered with money. On the table cloth, "Luc. 12 ca."
Its companion--Death and the Miser. The design from the same subject in
the Lyons wood-cuts. A label on the wall, with "Luc. 12." Oblong, 6-1/2 by
3-1/2.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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