Death Surprising a Woman, c. 1490-c. 1540
Engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more P.68.220
Not on Viewexpand_more
A sturdy woman, who looks as if she just arose from a Michelangelo tomb, inspects herself in the mirror. But, this moment of vanity will not last. A wheel and a wing indicate the fleeting and unpredictable fortunes of life, and the certainty of Death's arrival is underscored by the Latin inscription, meaning "Made human, they shall perish." Is the "M" monogram a nod to Michelangelo or the signature of an unidentified engraver' The answer seems to have followed the artist to the grave.
Details
- Title
- Death Surprising a Woman
- Artist Life
- c. 1490-c. 1540
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.220
- Provenance
- Paul Davidsohn, Lugt 654; Arthur Harlow, 1926
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Bartsch 1; Nagler IV 1439
- 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.
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