Dedicatory plate with skeletons, by Sturt (1715, c.)

Title

Description

This image is a dedicatory plate, where a coat of arms appears on the top part of the plate and two skeletons appear on each side. The skeletons are probably of different genders (male on the left and female on the right). This is not clearly distinguished since they are practically the same. However, the skeleton on the left is probably male for the scythe that is represented on its feet, and the one on the right is probably female for the arrow that appears next to it. Even if both emblems are those of death (scythe and arrow), these could still be used to sexualize the skeletons.

Creator

Sturt, John (1658-1730)

Source

The British Museum, London, UK
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1873-0809-1488

Archived in:
https://web.archive.org/web/20210507214524/https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1873-0809-1488

© The Trustees of The British Museum
Asset number: 222316001
Museum number: 1873,0809.1488

Date

1715, c.

Format

Engraving.
Dimensions: 30,1 × 17,8 cm