Abbess

1651

Wenceslaus Hollar after Hans Holbein the Younger after Abraham van Diepenbeeck

Associated Names
Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist, Bohemian, 1607 - 1677

Hans Holbein the Younger

Artist After, German, 1497/1498 - 1543

Abraham van Diepenbeeck

Artist After, Flemish, 1596 - 1675

This is a drawing of a skeleton and allegorical scenes with death. In the center, there is an elaborate framed depiction of a skeletal figure representing death, holding a scythe and engaging with figures in medieval attire. The setting appears to be a medieval courtyard, with arches and Gothic architectural elements. Surrounding this central narrative is an ornately detailed architectural frame that includes pilasters topped with urns or decorative vases and two female figures holding vessels on either side. At the bottom, a skeleton is artistically displayed, forming a memento mori theme. The drawing uses intricate line work to depict these rich textures and elaborate details.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching with border "Time and Eternity" (Pennington 233C)

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4888

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1139, State i/iv

  • Series Title

    Dance of Death [Pennington 233-262]


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Fritz Rumpf [1856-1927], Potsdam (Lugt 2161); (sale, C.G. Boerner, Leipzig, May 7-9, 1928, lot 588); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA (Lugt 1760b), 1928; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1982

  • Pennington, Richard. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Etched Work of Wenceslaus Hollar 1607-1677. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Wenceslaus Hollar, Simon Turner, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 1139, state i/iv.

Wikidata ID

Q64962467

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