Allegory of Transience

Cornelis Visscher (II), c. 1654 - c. 1658

Cornelis Visscher drew this young woman with coarse as well as very fine hatching in black chalk. While gazing beyond the picture plane with her sparkling eyes, she points out a sheet with verse to the viewer. Its message, in combination with the skull, the statuette of Time, and the broken glass, could not be clearer: life is finite.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-1888-A-1533
  • Dimensionsheight 335 mm x width 270 mm
  • Physical characteristicszwart krijt, op perkament