The Bishop
c. 1526
Labeled 'Der Bischoff' at the top, this woodcut by Hans Holbein the Younger is a standout piece from his famous 'Dance of Death' series created around 1526. The image shows a bishop, who should be shepherding his flock of sheep, being instead ridden and guided by a skeleton representing Death. An hourglass in the corner ticks away, serving as a grim Renaissance reality check that mortality comes for everyone, even the highest-ranking church officials.
- Technique
- Woodcut
Views: 4