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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36 THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE II.SIN. Because thou hast harkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is ... Show more
36 THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE II.SIN. Because thou hast harkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake, &c. Gen. iii. 17. Holbein has begun the scenes of life by that which had such influence on all the rest. The Mother of the human race holds in her right hand., the fatal apple,, which she has just received from the serpent with a young man's head ; and Adam, at the same time, is plucking another, enticed by the solicitations of the too credulous Eve, who shews him the one she has received, PLANCHE II.LE PECHE. Holbein a commence ces scenes de la vie par celle qui eut tant d'influence sur toutes les autres. La Mere du genre humain, tient dans sa main droite, la pomme fatale qu'elle vient de recevoir du serpent a tete de jeune homme, & Adam en cueille en meme terns une autre, excitd par les sollicitations de la trop credule Eve, qui lui montre celle qu'elle a rec^ie.
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