The Dance of Death

A small upright engraving of Death holding an hour-glass and dial to a soldier with a halberd. At top, the mark and date

1532. Bartsch, viii. 276.

An upright engraving of Death seizing a soldier, who struggles to escape from him. Below, an hour-glass. In a corner at top, the mark

.

An upright engraving of Death trampling upon a vanquished soldier, who endeavours to parry with his sword a blow that with one hand his adversary aims at him, whilst with the other he breaks the soldier’s spear. In a corner at top, the mark

. A truly terrific print, engraved also by

. Bartsch, viii. 277.

A naked female seized by a naked man in a very indecent manner. Death who is behind seizes the man whose left hand is placed on a little boy taking money out of a bag. The motto, HO: MORS VLTIMA LINEA RERVM, with the mark and date

1529. See Bartsch, viii. 176.

Near the end of an English Primer, printed at Paris, 1538, 4to. is a small print of Death leading a pope, engraved with great spirit on wood, but it has certainly not formed part of a series of a Dance of Death.

An upright engraving of a pair of lovers interrupted by Death with scythe and hour-glass, with the mark and date

1550. Not in Bartsch.

A small wood print of a gentleman conducting a lady, whose train is held up by Death with one hand, whilst he holds up an hour-glass with the other. In a corner below, the supposed mark of Jost de Negher,

. Upright, 2 by 1¾.

A German anonymous wood print of the prodigal son at a brothel, a female fool attending. Death unexpectedly appears and takes him by the hand, whilst another female is caressing him. Oblong, 4½ by 4.

An upright engraving on wood, 14 by 11, of a naked female on a couch. Death with a spade and hour-glass approaches her. With her left hand she holds one corner of a counterpane, Death seizing the other, and trampling upon it. Under the counterpane, and at the foot of the couch is a dead and naked man grasping a sword in one hand. There is no indication of the artist of this singular print.

An upright wood engraving, 14½ by 11, of a whole-length naked female turning her head to a mirror, which she holds behind her with both hands. Death, unnoticed, with an hour-glass, enters the apartment; before him a wheel. On the left at bottom a blank tablet, and near the woman’s left foot a large wing.

An engraving on wood by David Hopfer of Death and the Devil surprizing a worldly dame, who admires herself in a mirror. Oblong, 8 inches by 5½.

An upright engraving of a lady holding in one hand a bunch of roses and in the other a glove. Death behind with his hour-glass; the motto, OMNEM IN HOMINE VENVSTATEM MORS ABOLET. and the mark F. B. Bartsch, ix. 464.

A wood print of Death seizing a child. On the left, at top, is a blank tablet. Upright, 2½ by 2.

A small oblong anonymous engraving of a naked female asleep on a couch. A winged Death places an hour-glass on her shoulder. A lascivious print.

An ancient anonymous wood print: scene, a forest. Death habited as a woodman, with a hatchet at his girdle and a scythe, shoots his arrows into a youth with a large plume of feathers, a female and a man lying prostrate on the ground; near them are two dead infants with amputated arms; the whole group at the foot of a tree. In the back-ground, a stag wounded by an arrow, probably by the young man. 4to. size.

A small wood-cut of Death seizing a child. Anonymous, in the manner of A. Durer. 2¼ by 1⅞.

A very old oblong wood-cut, which appears to have been part of a Dutch or Flemish Macaber Dance. The subjects are, Death and the Pope, with “Die doot seyt,” “die paens seyt,” &c. and the Cardinal with “Die doot seyt,” and “Die Cardinael seyt.” There have been verses under each character. 9½ by 6½.

A small wood print of a tree, in which are four men, one of whom falls from the tree into a grave at the foot of it. Death, as a woodman, cuts down the tree with a hatchet. In the back-ground, another man fallen into a grave.

A figure of Death as a naked old man with a long beard. He leans on a pedestal, on which are placed a scull and an hour-glass, and with his left hand draws towards him a draped female, who holds a globe in her left hand. At the bottom of the print, MORS OMNIA MVTAT, with the unknown monogram

. Upright, 5 inches by 2¾. It is a very rare print on copper, not mentioned by Bartsch.

A small anonymous wood print of Death playing on a vielle, or beggar’s lyre.

An ancient anonymous copper engraving of Death standing on a bier, and laying hands upon a youth over whom are the words, “Ach got min sal ich,” and over Death, “hie her by mich.” Both inscriptions on labels. Bartsch, x. p. 54, No. 30.

An allegorical engraving on copper by Cuerenhert, after Martin Heemskirk, 1550. A naked man bestrides a large sack of money, on which a figure or statue of Hope is standing. Death with one hand levels his dart at the terrified man, and holds a circle in the other. The money is falling from the sack, and appears to have demolished the hour-glass of Death. Upright, 11 inches by 8. At bottom, these lines:

Maer als hemdie eininghe doot comt voer ogenDan vint hii hem doer üdele hope bedrogen.

There is a smaller copy of it.

A circular engraving, two inches diameter, of a pair of lovers in a garden. The lady is playing on a harp, her companion’s lute is on the ground. They are accompanied by a fool, and Death behind is standing with a dart in his hand ready for aim at the youthful couple.

A very large engraving on wood tinted in chiaroscuro. It represents a sort of triumphal arch at the top of which is a Death’s head, above, an hour-glass between two arm bones, that support a stone; evidently borrowed from the last cut of the arms of Death in the Lyons wood-cuts. Underneath, the three Fates between obelisks crowned with Deaths’ heads and crosses, with the words ΜΝΗΜΟΝΕΥΕ ΑΠΟΨΥΧΕΙΝ and ITER AD VITAM. In the middle, a circle with eight compartments, in which are skeleton heads of a pope, an emperor, &c. with mottoes. In the extremity of the circle, the words “Post hoc autem judicium statutum est omnibus hominibus semel mori.” The above obelisks are supported by whole length figures of Death, near which are shields with BONIS BONA and MALIS MALA. On the pedestals that support the figures of Death are shields inscribed MEMENTO MORI and MEMORARE NOVISSIMA. Underneath the circle, a sort of table monument with Death’s head brackets, and on its plinth a sceptre, cardinal’s cross, abbot’s crozier, a vessel with money, and two books. Between the brackets, in capitals:

TRIA SUNT VERE

QVÆ ME FACIVNT

FLERE.

And underneath in italics:

Primum quidem durum, quia scio me moriturum.Secundum vero plango, quia moriar, et nescio quando.Tertium autem flebo, quia nescio ubi manebo.

In a corner at bottom, “Ill. D. Petro Caballo J. C. Poutrém Relig. D. Steph. ordinisq. milit. Ser. M. D. Hetr: Auditori mon: Joh. Fortuna Fortunius Inven. Seni… MDLXXXVIII.” It is a very fine print, engraved with considerable spirit.

1600-1700

A very beautiful engraving by John Wierix, of a large party feasting and dancing, with music, in a garden. Death suddenly enters, and strikes a young female supported by her partner. At bottom, “Medio, lusu, risuque rapimur æternum cruciandi.” Oblong, 6½ by 4½.

Its companion – Death, crowned with serpents, drags away a falling female, round whom he has affixed his chain, which is in vain held back by one of the party who supplicates for mercy. At bottom these lines:

Divitibus mors dura venit, redimita coronaAnguifera, et risus ultimo luctus habet.

On the top of the print, “O mors quam amara est memoria tua homini pacem habenti in substantiis suis, etc.” Eccl. cap. xli.

An allegorical print by one of the Wierxes, after H. Van Balen. The Virgin Mary and a man are kneeling before and imploring Christ, who is about to strike a bell suspended to the branch of a tree, the root of which Death cuts with an axe, whilst the Devil assists in pulling at it with a rope. Upright, 4½ by 3½.

Time holding a mirror to two lovers, Death behind waiting for them. At bottom, “Luxuries predulce malum cui tempus, &c.” Engraved by Jerom Wierx. Oblong, 12 by 8.

An allegorical engraving by Jerom Wierx, after Martin De Vos, with four moral stanzas at bottom, beginning “Gratia magna Dei cælo demittitur alto.” A figure of Faith directs the attention of a man, accompanied with two infants, to a variety of worldly vanities scattered in a sun-beam. On the right, a miser counting his gold is seized and stricken by Death. At top, four lines of Latin and Dutch. Oblong, 13 by 10.

A rare etching, by Rembrant, of a youthful couple surprized by Death. Date, 1639. Upright, 4¼ by 3.

Rembrant’s “Hour of Death.” An old man sitting in a tent is visited by a young female. He points to a figure of Death with spade and hour-glass. Upright, 5¼ by 3½.

An engraving by De Bry. In the middle, an oblong oval, representing a marriage, Death attending. On the sides, grotesques of apes, goats, &c. At bottom, S. P. and these lines:

Ordo licet reliquos sit præstantissimus interConjugium, heu nimium sæpe doloris habet.

Oblong, 5½ by 2¼.

Its companion – Death digging a grave for an old man, who looks into it. Psal. 49 and 90.

An engraving by Crispin de Pas of Death standing behind an old man, who endeavours, by means of his money spread out upon a table, to entice a young female, who takes refuge in the arms of her young lover. At bottom, the following dialogue.

SenexNil aurei? nil te coronati juvant?Argenteis referto bulga nil movet?MorsVarios quid at Senex amores expetis:Tumulum tuæ finemque vitæ respice.JuvenisQuid aureorum me beabit copia.Amore si privata sim dulcissimo.

Its companion – Death with his hour-glass stands behind an old woman, who offers money to a youth turning in disdain to his young mistress. At bottom, these lines:

JuvenisFacie esse quid mihi gratius posset tuaIpsius haud Corinthi gaza divitis.VetulaFormam quid ah miselle nudam respicisCum plus beare possit auri copia.MorsAt tu juventa quid torquêre frustra anusQuin jam sepulchri instantis es potius memor.

Both oblong, 6 by 4.

An engraving by Bosse of a queen reposing on a tent bed, Death peeps in through the curtains, another Death stands at the corner of the bed, whilst a female with a shield, inscribed PIETAS, levels a dart at the queen. Underneath, these verses:

Grand Dieu je suis donc le victimeQu’une vengeance legitimeDoit immoler à tes autelsJe n’ay point de repos qui n’augmente ma peineEt les tristes objets d’une face inhumaineMe sont autant de coups mortels.

Oblong, 4½ by 3.

An engraving by John Sadeler, after Stradanus, of an old couple, with their children and grandchildren, in the kitchen of a farm-house. Death enters, fantastically crowned with flowers and an hour-glass, and with a bagpipe in his left hand. Round his right arm and body is a chain with a hook at the extremity. He offers his right hand to the old woman, who on her knees is imploring him for a little more delay. In the back-ground, a man conducted to prison; beggars receiving alms, &c. At bottom, these lines:

“Pauperibus mors grata venit; redimita coronaFlorifera, et luctus ultima risus habet.”

On the top of the print, “O mors bonum est judicium tuum homini indigenti, et qui minoratur viribus defecto ætate, &c.” Eccl. cap. xli. Oblong, 11 by 8½.

An exceedingly clever etching by Tiepolo of a group of various persons, to whom Death, sitting on the ground and habited grotesquely as an old woman, is reading a lecture. Oblong, 7 by 5½.

A small circle, engraved by Le Blond, of Death appearing to the astrologer, copied from the same subject in the Lyons wood-cuts.

A print, painted and engraved by John Lyvijus of two card players quarrelling. Death seizes and strikes at them with a bone. Below,

Rixas atque odia satagit dispergere serpens,Antiquus, cuncta at jurgia morte cadunt.

Oblong, 10 by 7½.

An engraving by Langlois. Death with a basket at his shoulder, on which sits an owl, and holding with one hand a lantern, seizes the dice of a gambler sitting at a table with his winnings spread before him. At top, these verses:

Alarme O le pipeur, chassez, chassez le moy,Je ne veux pas jouer a la raffle avec toy.La MortA la raffle je joue avec toutes personnesToutes pieces je prends, tant meschantes que bonnes.

At bottom, a dialogue between the gambler and Death, in verse, beginning “J’ay ramenè ma chance il n’y a plus reméde.” Upright, 10 by 7½.

A print by De Gheyn, but wanting his name, of an elegantly attired lady, with a feather on her head, and a fan mirror in her hand. She is accompanied by Death handsomely attired, with a similar feather, and holding an hour-glass. At bottom,

Qui genio indulges, media inter gaudia mortiNon dubiæ certum sis memor esse locum.

Upright, 8 by 5½.

Hollar’s etching in Dugdale’s Monasticon and his history of St. Paul’s, from the old wood-cut in Lydgate’s Dance of Macaber, already described, and an outline copy in Mr. Edwards’s publication of Hollar’s Dance of Death.

Death and two Misers, 11¾ by 10. Engraved by Michael Pregel, 1616. At bottom, six Latin lines, beginning “Si mihi divitiæ sint omnes totius orbis.”

An oblong allegorical print, 14 by 10½. Death and Time at war with man and animals. In the foreground, Death levels three arrows at a numerous group of mortals of all ranks and conditions, who endeavour, in every possible way, to repel his attack. In the back-ground, he shoots a single arrow at various animals. It is a very rare and beautiful engraving by Bolsverd, after Vinck-boons, dated 1610. At bottom, six lines in Latin, by J. Semmius, beginning “Cernis ut imperio succumbant omnia Mortis.”

An oblong print, 18½ by 13, intitled, “Alle mans vrees,” i. e. “Every man’s terror,” and engraved by Cornelius Van Dalen, after Adrian Van Venne. It exhibits Death armed with a spade, and overturning and putting to flight a variety of persons. At bottom, four stanzas of Dutch verses, beginning “Dits de vrees van alle man.”

A large allegorical oblong engraving, 18½ by 13, by Peter Nolpe, after Peter Potter. On the left, a figure of religion, an angel hovering over her with a crown and palm branch. She points to several figures bearing crosses, and ascending a steep hill to heaven. On the right, the Devil blowing into the ear of a female, representing worldly vanity. In the middle, Death beating a drum to a man and woman dancing. In the back-ground, several groups of people variously employed, and a city in flames.

An anonymous Venetian engraving of Death striking a lady sitting at a table covered with various fruits, a lute, &c. She falls into the arms of her lover or protector. Oblong, 9½ by 7.

A print, after Martin Heemskirk, of Charon ferrying over souls. On the right, a winged Death supporting an emperor about to enter the fatal boat. Below, four lines, beginning “Sed terris debentur opes, quas linquere fato.”

An oblong engraving, 14 by 12, after John Cossiers. On the right, Death entering at a door, seizes a young man. In the middle, a music-master teaching a lady the lute, Death near them holding a violin and music-book. On the left, in another apartment, Death in a dancing attitude, with a double bagpipe, leads an aged man with a rosary in his left hand, and leaning on a staff with his right. At bottom, three stanzas of French verses, beginning “La Mort qui n’a point d’oreilles.”

A very small wood print, that seems to have belonged to some English book, about 1600. It represents Death behind a female, who sees his reflected image in a mirror which she holds, instead of her own. 1½ by 1½.

The Devil’s Ruff shop, into which a young gallant introduces his mistress, whose ruff one of the Devils is stiffening with a poking-stick. Death, with a ruff on his neck, waits at the door, near which is a coffin. This very curious satirical print, after Martin De Vos, is covered with inscriptions in French and Dutch. Oblong, 11½ by 8.

A small anonymous engraving of two Deaths hand in hand; the one holds a flower, the other two serpents; a man and woman also hand in hand; the latter holds a flower in her hand; they are preceded by a little boy on a cock-horse and a girl with a doll. Underneath, four lines, beginning “Quid sit, quid fuerit, quid tandem aliquando futurus.”

An anonymous engraving of a young gallant looking up to an image of Hope placed on a bag of money, near which plate, jewels, and money lie scattered on the ground. Death enters at a door, holding a circle in one hand and a dart with the other, in a menacing attitude. At bottom, these Latin lines:

Namque ubi Mors trucibus supra caput adstitit armis,Hei quam tunc nullo pondere nummus erit.

The same in Dutch. Upright, 8½ by 6. This print was afterwards copied in a reduced form into a book of emblems, with the title, “Stulte hoc nocte repetent animam tuam,” with verses in Latin, French, and German.

A small anonymous wood engraving of five Deaths dancing in a circle; the motto, DOODEN DANS OP LESTEM, i. e. the last Dance of Death.

A very clever etching of a winged and laurelled Death playing on the bagpipe and making his appearance to an old couple at table. The man puts off his cap and takes the visitor by the hand, as if to bid him welcome. Below, two Dutch lines, beginning “Maerdie hier sterven, &c.” At top, on the left, “W. V. Valckert, in. fe. 1612.” Oblong, 8½ by 6½.

A very complicated and anonymous allegorical print, with a great variety of figures. In the middle, Death is striking with a sledge-hammer at a soul placed in a crucible over a sort of furnace. A demon with bellows is blowing the fire, and a female, representing the world, is adding fuel to it. In various parts of the print are Dutch inscriptions. Oblong, 10½ by 6.

Two old misers, a man and a woman. She weighs the gold, and he enters it in a book. Death with an hour-glass peeps in at one window, and the Devil at another. On the left, stands a demon with a book and a purse of money. On the right, in a corner, I. V. BRVG: F. “Se vend chez Audran rue S. Jaques aux deux piliers d’or.” An upright mezzotint, 11½ by 8½.

Two old misers, a man and a woman. He holds a purse, and she weighs the money. Death behind lies in wait for them. Below, a French stanza, beginning “Fol en cette nuit on te redemande ton ame,” and the same in Latin. Below, “J. Meheux sculp. A Paris chez Audran rue St. Jaques aux deux pilliers d’or.” An upright mezzotint, 10 by 7½.

An oval engraving in a frame of slips of trees. Death pulling down a fruit tree; a hand in a cloud cutting a flower with a sickle. Motto, “Fortior frango, tenera meto.” Upright, 6½ by 4.

An anonymous engraving of a lady sitting at her toilet. She starts at the reflected image of Death standing behind her, in her looking glass. Her lover stands near her in the act of drawing his sword to repel the unwelcome visitor. Upright, 7¼ by 6½. To some such print or painting, Hamlet, holding a scull in his hand, evidently alludes in Act v. Sc. 1. “Now get you to my lady’s chamber, and tell her let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come.”

A print of the tree of knowledge, the serpent holding the apple in his mouth. Below, several animals, as in the usual representations of Paradise. On one side a youth on horseback with a hawk on his fist; on the other, Death strikes at him with his dart. On the right, at bottom, the letters R. P. ex. and these verses:

Nor noble, valiant, youthfull or wise, haveThe least exemption from the gloomy grave.

Upright, 6 by 4.

A large oblong engraving, on copper, 22 by 17. On the left, is an arched cavern, from which issue two Deaths, one of whom holds a string, the end of which is attached to an owl, placed as a bird decoy, on a pillar in the middle of the print. Under the string, three men reading. On the left, near a tree, is a ghastly sitting figure, whose head has been flayed. On the opposite side below, a musical group of three men and a woman. In the back-ground, several men caught in a net; near them, Death with a hound pursuing three persons who are about to be intercepted by a net spread between two trees. In the distance, a vessel with a Death’s head on the inflated sail. On the top of the arched cavern, a group of seven persons, one of whom, a female, points to the interior of an urn; near them a flying angel holding a blank shield of arms. In the middle of the print, at bottom, some inscription has been erased.

A print, intitled “Cursus Mundi.” A woman holds, in one hand, a broken vessel with live coals; in the other, a lamp, at which a little boy is about to light a candle. Death appears on the left. At bottom, a Latin inscription stating that the picture was painted by William Panneels, the scholar of Rubens, in 1631, and that it is in the palace of Anselm Casimir, archbishop of Mentz. Upright, 9½ by 6½.

A small anonymous engraving of Death sitting on a large fractured bass-viol, near which, on the ground, is a broken violin.

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, 3¾ by 2¾.

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, 3¼ by 1½.

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, 5½ by 2½.

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 6½. 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 2½.

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, 6½ by 3½.

A German anonymous print, apparently from a book of emblems, representing Death waiting with a scythe to cut off the following persons: 1. A lady. 2. A gentleman. 3. An advocate. 4. A soldier: and, 5. A preacher. Each has an inscription. 1. Ich todt euch alle (I kill you all). 2. Ich erfrew euch alle (I rejoice you all). 3. Ich eruhr euch alle (I honour you all). 4. Ich red fur euch alle (I speak for you all). 5. Ich fecht fur euch alle (I fight for you all). 6. Ich bett fur euch alle (I pray for you all). With verses at bottom, in Latin and German. Oblong, 5¼ by 4.