The Skeleton, Possibly Agostino d' Musi; Artist: Possibly in collaboration with Battista Dossi | Mia

The Skeleton, Possibly Agostino d' Musi; Artist: Possibly in collaboration with Battista Dossi — The Skeleton, c. 1531
Possibly Agostino d' Musi; Artist: Possibly in collaboration with Battista Dossi
Engraving
The William M. Ladd Collection Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916 P.469
On View in Gallery 344
This nightmarish procession reflects the Renaissance obsession with witchcraft. Four powerful attendants try to control the skeletal monster. The naked woman riding the beast seizes the head of a toddler who may be destined for her cauldron. The scattering birds know that nothing good can come from this unfathomable commotion.

This wondrous image remains a puzzle to art historians. It may have been started by Marcantonio and later completed by one of his most important assistants, Agostino de’ Musi.

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Details

Title: The Skeleton
Dated: c. 1531
Artist: Possibly Agostino d' Musi; Artist: Possibly in collaboration with Battista Dossi
Nationality: Italian
Artist Life: 1490-1540 (active 1514-1536)
Role: Artist
Gallery: G344
Department: European Art
Dimension: 11 15/16 x 25 1/4 in. (30.32 x 64.14 cm) (image)
Credit: The William M. Ladd Collection Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916
Accession Number: P.469
Medium: Engraving
Country: Italy
Century: 16th century
Rights: Public Domain
Classification: Prints
Catalogue Raisonne: B.426
Wikipedia: Cite this information
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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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