The Preacher
c. 1526
Hans Holbein the Younger delivers a darkly funny reality check in this woodcut from his famous 'Dance of Death' series. As a preacher passionately holds court from his pulpit, a grinning skeleton stands right behind his shoulder, holding an hourglass to signal that time is up. It’s a brilliant satirical jab at the clergy, suggesting that while they preach about the afterlife, Death is literally breathing down their necks. The crowd sits captivated, seemingly oblivious to the grim reaper hovering just inches from the sermon.
- Technique
- Woodcut
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