w THE DANCE OF DEATH. 35 PLATE I.THE FRONTISPIECE. It has been supposed by Papillon, without the least authority, or even probability, that the two figures represent the persons for whom Holb... Show more
w THE DANCE OF DEATH. 35 PLATE I.THE FRONTISPIECE. It has been supposed by Papillon, without the least authority, or even probability, that the two figures represent the persons for whom Holbein painted this work. It has been already shewn that Holbein did not design this plate. It is altogether emblematical, and appears to be an heraldical representation of mortality, viz. a tattered shield, surmounted with a death's head; the crest, an hour-glass between two arms of a skeleton, holding part of a skull. The two figures are probably intended for supporters, and represent the dress of the Swiss Nobility of the sixteenth century. The " MORTALIVM NO-BILITAS" was added by Hollar, and is a very concise and admirable explanation of the subject.
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