Death and the Bishop, from "The Power of Death" (Allegory of Original Sin and Death) (1541, Met-Objekt 2115)
Original title: Death and the Bishop, from "The Power of Death" (Allegory of Original Sin and Death)
kurzbeschreibung
A skeleton confronts a bishop in Heinrich Aldegrever's 1541 engraving, 'Tod und Bischof' (Death and the Bishop). This small portrait-format print belongs to the series 'Die Macht des Todes' (The Power of Death) and combines religious symbols with moral instruction.
Description
In the foreground, a bishop in fur-trimmed splendor holds his staff. Beside him stands a skeleton figure with a lantern-head and a stick. Behind them, another bishop drives a flock of sheep, and a mountainous landscape with a river closes the horizon. At the top is the monogram of 'A' and 'G'; below are Latin inscriptions, including 'PERCUTIAM PASTOREM & DISPERGENTVR. OVES. XXVI * MAR * XLIII'.
Context
Created in 1541, during a period of religious upheaval in Germany when the Reformation challenged church authority, this print reflects those tensions. The Protestant-minded engraver Aldegrever from Soest made the series 'Die Macht des Todes' as a moral allegory. The bishop being assailed by death taps into contemporary criticism of the Catholic hierarchy. The Latin inscription quotes Zechariah 13:7 and hints at what happens when the shepherd is struck: the flock scatters.
Impact
A somber, admonishing mood emanates from the print, calling to mind the transience of life. Opulent bishop's vestments and a naked skeleton face each other; the implication is that worldly power is vain. The moral impact is forceful.
Technique
Engraving allows for fine lines and graduated shading. Aldegrever carefully worked out details in the garments and landscape through incised lines. The print remains small, which encourages intimate viewing and brings out the precision of the printed image.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)