The Dance of Death: The Count

"The Dance of Death: The Count" by Hans Holbein the Younger is a pivotal example of Renaissance printmaking, executed in the demanding relief medium of woodcut between 1521 and 1531. Though Younger was primarily active in Basel, Switzerland, this series falls within the scope of influential German graphic arts of the period. The Dance of Death series, or Danse Macabre, stands as one of the most celebrated and frequently copied cycles of the 16th century, dramatically illustrating the universal power of death to confront all social classes.

In this specific print, The Dance of Death: The Count, Younger depicts the nobleman being interrupted by the skeletal figure of Death. Holbein masterfully utilized the precise, sharp lines afforded by the woodcut technique to convey intricate detail in the count’s rich clothing and the opulence of his surroundings, contrasting his wealth with the stark inevitability of his fate. The overall series served as a powerful moral commentary during a period of intense religious and social upheaval in Europe, reminding viewers that earthly power provided no immunity from judgment.

As prints from the early 16th century, these images circulated widely, reinforcing the political and religious messages embedded in the series. The durability and wide dissemination of woodcuts contributed significantly to Younger’s fame throughout Germany and beyond. This particular impression of the work is classified as a significant historical print and is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of the age and enduring impact of the series, high-resolution reproductions of these influential images are often available in the public domain for study and reference worldwide.