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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THE DANCE OF DEATH, PLATE III.PUNISHMENT. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. Gen. iii. 23. Our first ... Show more
THE DANCE OF DEATH, PLATE III.PUNISHMENT. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. Gen. iii. 23. Our first Parents, driven out by the Angel, are flying from the terrestrial Paradise, preceded by Death, who is playing on the fiddle, and shews by dancing, the joy he feels for his triumph. PLANCHE III.LA PUNITION. Nos premiers Parens chasses par PAnge, s'enfuyent du Paradis terrestre precedes de la Mort, qui joue de la guitare, & demontre en dansant la joie qu'elle ressent de son triomphe.
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38 THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE IV.CONDEMNATION TO LABOUR. Cursed is the earth for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. ... Show more
38 THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE IV.CONDEMNATION TO LABOUR. Cursed is the earth for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Gen. iii. 17. Holbein,, to mark at once the species of labour which is the lot of man, and that which falls to the share of the woman, represents Adam employed in rooting up a tree, along with Death, who helps him with all his might; and at a little distance Eve suckling her child, and holding a distaff. PLANCHE IV.LA CONDEMNATION AU TRAVAIL. Holbein, pour marquer en merae terns le genre de travail qui est lepartage de Phormne, & celui qui est le partage de la femme, represente Adam oecupe a deraeiner tin arbre, avec la Mort qui l'aide detoutes ses forces; & un peu plus loin. Eve allaitant son enfant & tenant une quenouille.
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THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE V.THE POPE CROWNING AN EMPEROR. bind his Princes at his pleasure, and teach his Senators wisdom. v ... Show more
THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE V.THE POPE CROWNING AN EMPEROR. bind his Princes at his pleasure, and teach his Senators wisdom. v Psalm cv. 2 A cardinal and three bishops are assisting at the ceremony : Death is there also under the figure of two skeletons,, one of which is dressed in cardinal's robes, the other embraces the Holy Father, with the right hand, and is leaning on a crutch with the left. PLANCHE V.LE PAPE COURONNANT UN EMPEREUR. Un cardinal & trois eveques assistent a cette ceremonie: la Mort s'y trouve aussi sous la figure de deux squelettes, dont Pun est revStu des habits de cardinal; l'autre embrasse le St. Pere de la main droite, et s'appuie de la gauche sur une bequille.
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THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE V7.THE EMPEROR. Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Isaiah, xxxviii. 1. Seated on a throne, and holding in his hand the sword of state,, he i... Show more
THE DANCE OF DEATH. PLATE V7.THE EMPEROR. Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Isaiah, xxxviii. 1. Seated on a throne, and holding in his hand the sword of state,, he is attentively listening to an advocate pleading in a soothing tone, against an unfortunate peasant, who trembling waits, in the most suppliant posture, the decree that is to determine his fate. Death at this moment displays all his power; he proudly takes possession of the bottom of the throne, and is carelessly leaning his arm on the Monarch's crown. The angry aspect with which the Emperor views the advocate and his two clients, who are seen standing with their heads uncovered, is a happy presage for the poor oppressed peasant. PLANCHE VI.L'EMPEREUR. Assis sur son trflne, & tenant dans sa main le glaive de l'empire, il ecoute attentivement un avocat qui plaide d'un ton doucereux contre un rnalheureux paysan, tandis que celui-ci attend en tremblant, & dans la posture la plus suppliante/ J'arret qui doit decider de son sort. La Mort developpe en ce moment toute sa puissance; elle occupe fierement la fond du trone, & appuie non-chalemment son bras sur la couronne du Monarque. I/air irrite avec lequcUe Chef de TEmpire re-garde Tavocat & ses deux cliens qu'on voit, la tete decouverte, a cote de leur defenseur, est d'un hcureux presage pour le pauvre opprime.
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