Two mercenary soldiers approach a seated prostitute while Death sits in a tree, pointing to an hourglass, by Graf (1524)

Picture122.jpg

Title

Two mercenary soldiers approach a seated prostitute while Death sits in a tree, pointing to an hourglass, by Graf (1524)

Description

""The subject is a typical theme which recurs constantly in Graf's work, particularly his drawings, and serves as a reminder of his life as a professional soldier as well as the current feelings of misogyny which pervade so much of the art of this period. With clues provided by the different clothes and weapons, the two mercenaries have been interpreted as a contrast between, on the right, the Swiss 'Eidgenosse', who strides forward purposefully, his lance held erect and his right hand poised to draw his sword; and on the left, the German 'Landsknecht' who has an ostentatious beard and who stands listlessly under a tree resting his left hand on his hip. The woman with a smirking expression represents a personification of vice who tempts the soldiers away from their duty, particularly the 'Landsknecht' to whom she is nearest; and the transitoriness of life is emphasised by the figure of Death who, unnoticed by the figures, is seated above them in the tree indicating his hour-glass with his finger."--Bartrum , loc. cit" (Description from Wellcome Library, London, UK, https://wellcomecollection.org/works/nuac38hn, Archived in:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200905162327if_/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/nuac38hn)

As described, the image represents two male soldiers and a female prostitute. Death, portrayed by the skeleton, watches over them on the tree, indicating one death for all three and the two genders they represent. 

Creator

Graf, Urs (c. 1485- c. 1527)

Source

Two mercenary soldiers approach a seated prostitute while Death sits in a tree, pointing to an hourglass. Etching after Urs Graf, 1524. Credit: Wellcome Library, London, UK
https://wellcomecollection.org/works/nuac38hn

Archived in:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200905162327if_/https://wellcomecollection.org/works/nuac38hn

Wellcome Library number: 33730i

Date

1524

Relation

This item is related to Young Couple Reminded of Transience or The Promenade, by Dürer (1498, c.), for this image also represents two genders and only one death portrayed by the skeleton behind the tree looking at the couple.

Format

Etching.
Dimensions: 20 × 11.6 cm

Item Relations

This item has no relations.

Comments