Danse Macabre


  • Year2014
  • Dimensions
    Frame: 15cm x 11cm x 1.5cm / 5.9" x 4.3" x .6"
    Embossed panel: 11.5cm x 7.5cm / 4.5" x 3"
  • MediaEmbossed pewter
  • SOLD 
  • Available-

Danse Macabre, or Dance of Death imagery was a popular theme in the 1500s. In a highly stratified society, death was the only experience common to all, and danse macabre images show all manner of people from kings, noblemen and priests to merchants, farmers and peasants, surrounded by gleeful dancing cadavers. I’ve adapted an old woodcut for this piece. Many of the cadaver figures are depicted playing musical instruments. I’ve no idea what kind of music they were playing but this guy is particularly enthusiastic, banging the drum that’s hanging around his waist.