Death Surprising a Young Couple

Jan van de Velde II (1593-1641), etching, c. 1610-1650

A sumptuously attired couple enjoy food, drink, and luxury objects. Death appears behind them, holding a winged hourglass as a warning about the brevity of life. The withered flowers on the ground, too, symbolize transience. Young couples overtaken by Death was a popular theme in the 16th and 17th century, when life was shorter and death always around the corner.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-15.311
  • Dimensionsheight 194 mm x width 152 mm
  • Physical characteristicsets