three nude women standing close together, with skeleton at back addressing R female figure; one woman stands with her back fully to the viewer with her foot on a death's head and her arm around an older, emaciated woman to her PL

Death and the Three Nude Women, c. 1525-1527

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In the Renaissance, Death in the company of women was a memento mori, a reminder that life is transitory and vanity useless. But rarely are the women so unidealized. While Death eyes the youngest, the artist draws attention to the plump woman making an erotic gesture. Such was the irreverence of the Beham brothers. After Barthel died, in 1540, Sebald reworked several of his plates, including this one.

Details
Title
Death and the Three Nude Women
Artist Life
1502–1540
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.93.24
Provenance
John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
Catalogue Raisonne
Pauli, Hollstein 40 i; Bartsch 42 (vol. 8, p. 101)
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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three nude women standing close together, with skeleton at back addressing R female figure; one woman stands with her back fully to the viewer with her foot on a death's head and her arm around an older, emaciated woman to her PL