The Skeletons

c. 1518

Marco Dente, after Baccio Bandinelli

Associated Names
Marco Dente

Artist, Italian, c. 1493 - 1527

Baccio Bandinelli

Artist After, Florentine, 1488/1493 - 1560

This is a drawing of skeletons and draped figures in a cave-like setting. The composition shows figures in various poses; some are standing, while others are crouched or seated. Central to the image is a winged skeleton engaging with other figures. This skeletal figure holds a large book open. Around this central figure, human forms with clear musculature stand intertwined with twisted, bare trees and rocky outcrops. The figures express a range of emotions through their gestures and facial expressions. The detailed linework and shading emphasize the contrast between the skeletal forms and the living, both human and mythical.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 29.1 x 42.8 cm (11 7/16 x 16 7/8 in.)
    plate: 28.2 x 42 cm (11 1/8 x 16 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.56.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 425 [later reprint]

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821, no. 425.

Inscriptions

upper left in plate [on wall]: R; lower center in plate: Nic Van Aelst.; lower right in plate: Ant. Sal. exc.; by later hand, along lower margin, in transparent script: And he said unto me, [Son of man,] can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. [Ezekiel 37:14]; by later hand, center verso, in graphite: les squelettes / Marco da Ravenna apres Baccio Bandinelli / Bartsch 425; by later hand, lower left verso, in graphite: Maco Dente (da Ravenna) / B. 425 . Ngl. Mon. IV pag. 998 Ill. 7-III / Früjar Abdr. von [Entpflasfürtig?] der Edr. v, Aelsts; by later hand, lower right verso, in blue pencil: 1491

Wikidata ID

Q76560908

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