Skeleton as death feminized by shroud, by Bosch (1490, c.)
This image represents death as a skeleton with a shroud that covers the skull, and this feminizes the skeleton. The shroud, that covers the entire body, becomes a woman's tunic when the skeleton moves and it is stripped off any gender features.
Bosch, Hieronymus (c. 1450 - 1516)
<p class="object-title">Death and the Miser, by Bosch (1490, c.)</p>
The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, USA.<br /><a href="https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.41645.html">https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.41645.html</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201109215421/https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.41645.html">https://web.archive.org/web/20201109215421/https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.41645.html</a><br /><br />Accession Number: <span>1952.5.33<br /><br />Wikimedia Commons:<br /><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hieronymus_Bosch_-_Death_and_the_Miser_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hieronymus_Bosch_-_Death_and_the_Miser_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg</a><br /></span>
1490, c.
Other representations that include a skeleton with similar features as those described here include:<br /><br />- Middle skeleton on the right in <span><a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/11">The Three Living and the Three Dead, by Madonna Master (attributed) (1310, c.)</a><br />- The skeleton on the left in <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/17">Danse Macabre, by Notke (1475, c.)</a><br />- <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/18">A skeleton holding an inscribed plaque. Mezzotint., by Christian Leopold (1750, c.)</a><br />- <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/25">Vanitas, by School of Conrad Meit (1525, c.)</a><br />- <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/88">Death as a procuress, by Rogier (1850, c.)</a><br />- <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/89">Death tramples over female flesh, by Unknown (1700, c.)</a><br />- <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/100">Trying to bribe death as a procuress, by Anonymous (1617)</a><br />- The skeleton on the left in <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/102">Two skeletons on a pedestal, by Anonymous Italian artist (1750, c.)</a> </span>
Oil on panel.
Dimensions: 93 × 31 cm
Two skeletons on a pedestal, by Anonymous Italian artist (1750, c.)
"<span>The inscription on the pedestal could be roughly translated as: 'We all have to die, the rich mingled with the poor'. This anonymous and very rare print has an oddly humorous side. As they reveal a stone </span><i>tondo</i><span> carved with dead bodies, the winged skeleton in the front kneels down in admiration in front of this monument of Death, while the other two skeletons are leaning onto it, seemingly in pleasant conversation. Their attitude is that of two gentlemen cracking a joke at the bar or casually chatting at a gallery opening." (Description from Christie's webpage,<br /><a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/death-desire-prints-collection-giancarlo-beltrame/memento-mori-ingredimvr-cvncti-dives-cvm-pavpere-mixtvs-6/34681#lot-details-image-carousel">https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/death-desire-prints-collection-giancarlo-beltrame/memento-mori-ingredimvr-cvncti-dives-cvm-pavpere-mixtvs-6/34681#lot-details-image-carousel</a>)<br /><br />However, the two skeletons can be both men and women, since there are no clear gender traits on either. The inscription discusses individuals of different social classes mingling but it does not discuss individuals of different genders mingling. <br /></span>
Anonymous Italian artist (Unknown)
<span>Memento mori ('INGREDIMVR CVNCTI, DIVES CVM PAVPERE MIXTVS'), by Anonymous Italian artist (c. 1750). <br />Found in Death and Desire: Prints from the Collection of Giancarlo Beltrame, Christie's webpage:<br /><a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/death-desire-prints-collection-giancarlo-beltrame/memento-mori-ingredimvr-cvncti-dives-cvm-pavpere-mixtvs-6/34681#lot-details-image-carousel">https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/death-desire-prints-collection-giancarlo-beltrame/memento-mori-ingredimvr-cvncti-dives-cvm-pavpere-mixtvs-6/34681#lot-details-image-carousel</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201003223959/https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/death-desire-prints-collection-giancarlo-beltrame/memento-mori-ingredimvr-cvncti-dives-cvm-pavpere-mixtvs-6/34681">https://web.archive.org/web/20201003223959/https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/death-desire-prints-collection-giancarlo-beltrame/memento-mori-ingredimvr-cvncti-dives-cvm-pavpere-mixtvs-6/34681</a><br /></span>
1750, c.
Etching with engraving on laid paper.
Dimensions: 45.7 × 35.8 cm
Trying to bribe death as a procuress, by Anonymous (1617)
<p>"An old man, with one hand in a money-box, grips the shoulder of a young woman who rests her arm on the shoulder of a young man; Death rests his hand on the shoulder of the old man." (Description from Emblematica Online - Resources for Emblem Studies, <a href="http://emblematica.grainger.illinois.edu/oebp/ui/#/results?ekeywords=death&tab=emblemdetail&eskip=18&emblemid=nj1617041&bookid=huygens.knaw.nl_3Aemitx_3Anj1617">http://emblematica.grainger.illinois.edu/oebp/ui/#/results?ekeywords=death&tab=emblemdetail&eskip=18&emblemid=nj1617041&bookid=huygens.knaw.nl_3Aemitx_3Anj1617</a>)<br /><br />Death about to deprive men and women of the pleasures of sex that money can buy.</p>
Anonymous (Unknown)
<span>Emblematica Online - Resources for Emblem Studies.<br /><a href="http://emblematica.grainger.illinois.edu/oebp/ui/#/results?ekeywords=death&tab=emblemdetail&eskip=18&emblemid=nj1617041&bookid=huygens.knaw.nl_3Aemitx_3Anj1617">http://emblematica.grainger.illinois.edu/oebp/ui/#/results?ekeywords=death&tab=emblemdetail&eskip=18&emblemid=nj1617041&bookid=huygens.knaw.nl_3Aemitx_3Anj1617</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201003210549/https://emblems.hum.uu.nl/static/images/nj1617/pictura/843B24_191.jpg">https://web.archive.org/web/20201003210549/https://emblems.hum.uu.nl/static/images/nj1617/pictura/843B24_191.jpg</a><br /><br />Image from <i>Nieuwen ieucht spieghel </i>(1617), by Anonymous. Nil aurei? nil te coronati juuant [41].<br /><a href="https://emblems.hum.uu.nl/nj1617041.html">https://emblems.hum.uu.nl/nj1617041.html</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201003210611/https://emblems.hum.uu.nl/nj1617041.html">https://web.archive.org/web/20201003210611/https://emblems.hum.uu.nl/nj1617041.html</a><br /></span>
1617
Emblem.
Dimensions: Unknown
Death tramples over female flesh, by Unknown (1700, c.)
This image represents death, portrayed by a skeleton, trampling three young women who appear lying underneath. The skeleton has a veil over its skull, a traditionally feminine trait.
Unknown
<span>Death tramples on three female allegorical figures representing sensual pleasures. Pen and ink drawing, ca. 1700. Credit: Wellcome Library, London, UK<br /><a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a9kcwura">https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a9kcwura</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173151if_/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a9kcwura">https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173151if_/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a9kcwura</a><br /><br />Wellcome Library number: 35669i<br /></span>
1700, c.
The skeleton is portrayed similarly to <a href="http://deathandgender.celpyc.org/items/show/18">A skeleton holding an inscribed plaque. Mezzotint., by Christian Leopold (1750, c.)</a>. The resemblance resides in the veil that covers both skeletons' skull.
Pen and ink, with watercolor drawing.
Dimensions: 21.7 × 24 cm
Death as a procuress, by Rogier (1850, c.)
This image represents two Pulcinellas being approached by a skeleton dressed as an old woman. The dress and posture of the skeleton are reminiscent of the Celestinesque or procuress tradition being represented as old women.
Rogier, Camille Adolphe (1810-1896)
<span>Death approaches two Pulcinellas. Pen and ink drawing by Camille Rogier. Credit: Wellcome Library, London, UK<br /><a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/vb5x8bve">https://wellcomecollection.org/works/vb5x8bve</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200905171316if_/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/vb5x8bve">https://web.archive.org/web/20200905171316if_/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/vb5x8bve</a><br /><br />Wellcome Library number: 36760i<br /></span>
1850, c.
Pen and ink drawing.
Dimensions: Unknown
Vanitas, by School of Conrad Meit (1525, c.)
<span>"Carefully carved in a highly naturalistic style, this boxwood sculpture presents a moral lesson: while Vanity wears an elaborate dress and holds a mirror to her face, the figure of death is at her back, a reminder that all earthly things shall pass." (</span>Description from Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, MA,<br /><a href="https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/215493?position=4">https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/215493?position=4</a>, Persistent Link: <a href="https://hvrd.art/o/215493">https://hvrd.art/o/215493</a>)
School of Conrad Meit (c. 1480- c. 1550)
<span><span>Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, MA<br /><a href="https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/215493?position=4">https://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/215493?position=4</a><br /><br />Persistent Link: <a href="https://hvrd.art/o/215493">https://hvrd.art/o/215493</a><br /><br />Object Number: BR68.2<br /><br />Also found in Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Exhibition: <em>The Ivory Mirror: </em></span></span><em>The Art of Mortality in Renaissance Europe</em><span><span><em><br /></em></span></span><span><em></em><a href="https://www.bowdoin.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/2017/ivory-mirror.html#0">https://www.bowdoin.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/2017/ivory-mirror.html#0</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200606020242/https://www.bowdoin.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/2017/ivory-mirror.html">https://web.archive.org/web/20200606020242/https://www.bowdoin.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/2017/ivory-mirror.html</a><br /></span>
1525, c.
Boxwood sculpture.
Dimensions: 20.1 × 8 × 8 cm
A skeleton holding an inscribed plaque. Mezzotint., by Christian Leopold (1750, c.)
A skeleton is holding an inscribed plaque while pointing at it. The skeleton is semi-covered by a cloth, including the skull.
Christian Leopold, Johann (1699-1775)
<span>Wellcome Collection:<br /><a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/trgpjq7a">https://wellcomecollection.org/works/trgpjq7a</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200710220856/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/trgpjq7a">https://web.archive.org/web/20200710220856/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/trgpjq7a</a><br /><br />Wellcome Library number: 35759i<br /><br />Wikimedia Commons:<br /><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_skeleton_holding_an_inscribed_plaque._Mezzotint._Wellcome_V0042159.jpg">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_skeleton_holding_an_inscribed_plaque._Mezzotint._Wellcome_V0042159.jpg</a><br /><br />Archivado en:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200710220950/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_skeleton_holding_an_inscribed_plaque._Mezzotint._Wellcome_V0042159.jpg">https://web.archive.org/web/20200710220950/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_skeleton_holding_an_inscribed_plaque._Mezzotint._Wellcome_V0042159.jpg</a><br /></span>
1750, c.
Mezzotint, with engraving.
Dimensions: 29.8 × 19.1 cm
Danse Macabre, by Notke (1475, c.)
A woman in the center of the picture is dressed in a red dress. Two skeletons are dancing on both of her sides. They are semi-covered by a white cloth. On the left side, a man wears a crown and holds a sword and the globus cruciger.<br /><br />Gender perspective: The two corpses represent the images of the Death of King and Queen shortly. The corpse between them, with the head covered and raising a leg in the dance, seems to be female, while the other may be interpreted as the male. Apart from that, the two corpses are identical.
Notke, Bernt (1440–1509)
Museum of Estonia, Tallinn, Estonia.<br /><a href="https://kunstimuuseum.ekm.ee/en/overview/ecclesiastical-art-collection/">https://kunstimuuseum.ekm.ee/en/overview/ecclesiastical-art-collection/</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200704212530/https://kunstimuuseum.ekm.ee/en/overview/ecclesiastical-art-collection/">https://web.archive.org/web/20200704212530/https://kunstimuuseum.ekm.ee/en/overview/ecclesiastical-art-collection/</a><br /><br />Also found in "Dances of Death" webpage:<br /><a href="http://www.dodedans.com/Eest.htm">http://www.dodedans.com/Eest.htm</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191221123047/http://www.dodedans.com/Eest.htm">https://web.archive.org/web/20191221123047/http://www.dodedans.com/Eest.htm</a><br /><br />Wikimedia Commons:<br /><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bernt_Notke_Danse_Macabre.jpg">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bernt_Notke_Danse_Macabre.jpg</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200121150006/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bernt_Notke_Danse_Macabre.jpg">https://web.archive.org/web/20200121150006/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bernt_Notke_Danse_Macabre.jpg</a>
1475, c.
Oil on canvas.
Dimensions: 160 × 750 cm
The Three Living and the Three Dead, by Madonna Master (attributed) (1310, c.)
<span>"Three living princes, on the left, encounter three corpses, on the right. Below is a Middle French poem describing the encounter." (</span>Description from the British Library Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts webpage,<br /><a href="http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472">http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472</a>, Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170518180400/http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472">https://web.archive.org/web/20170518180400/http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472</a>)
Madonna Master (attributed to), (Unknown)
<span>British Library Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts</span>, London, UK.<br /><span><a href="http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472">http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170518180400/http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472">https://web.archive.org/web/20170518180400/http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=472</a></span><br /><br /><span>© The British Library</span><br /><br />From De Lisle Psalter, in Manuscript <span>Arundel 83 part II, f. 127:<br /><a href="http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/record.asp?MSID=6458&CollID=20&NStart=83">http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/record.asp?MSID=6458&CollID=20&NStart=83</a><br /><br />Archived in:<br /><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190114121012/http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/record.asp?MSID=6458&CollID=20&NStart=83">https://web.archive.org/web/20190114121012/http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/record.asp?MSID=6458&CollID=20&NStart=83</a><br /></span>
1310, c.
Illustration.
Dimensions: 35 × 23 cm (miniatures approx. 29 ×19 cm)