The Housebook Master Middle Rhenish, active c. 1465/1500 Young Man and Death, c. 1485-1490 drypoint Rijksprentenkabinet, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Young Man and Death

This depiction of a young man confronting death is not as macabre as most contemporary artists' treatment of this theme. The identity of death is unmistakable, but the Housebook Master has not overindulged in frightening details. Death's solemn touch seems to convey a kind of wisdom, and the young man acquiesces to it.

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