Coat-of-Arms with a Skull, c. 1503

expand_more

Engravingexpand_more

Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more  P.68.154

Not on Viewexpand_more

The woman is dressed as well-to-do bride in the traditional garb of Nuremberg, Albrecht Dürer's hometown. In the Middle Ages, man dressed in furry costumes would sometimes cavort at wedding feasts, for as wild men, they celebrated the joys of the carnal side of marriage. Here the bride does not seem displeased by the tender words whispered by her hirsute suitor. But, with the distorted reflection of a skull-your skull-Dürer reminds us that all good things have to come to an end.

Details
Title
Coat-of-Arms with a Skull
Artist Life
1471–1528
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.68.154
Provenance
Carl Schlösser (L. 636); Heinrich Lempertz, Sr. (L. 1337); Albert Roullier, 1925
Catalogue Raisonne
B.101; M.98 ib/iib; Holl. 98 a/b; D.36
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.