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The skeleton of Death as a priest celebrating the wedding between a young woman and an ugly old man. Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by Thomas Rowlandson from The English Dance of Death, Ackermann, London, 1816
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The skeleton of Death as a priest celebrating the wedding between a young woman and an ugly old man. Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by Thomas Rowlandson from The English Dance of Death, Ackermann, London, 1816
FLO4690212 The skeleton of Death as a priest celebrating the wedding between a young woman and an ugly old man. Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by Thomas Rowlandson from The English Dance of Death, Ackermann, London, 1816. by Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827); (add.info.: The skeleton of Death as a priest celebrating the wedding between a young woman and an ugly old man. Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by Thomas Rowlandson from The English Dance of Death, Ackermann, London, 1816.); © Florilegius
Media ID 22275690
© Florilegius / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcoloured copperplate print by Thomas Rowlandson, titled "The skeleton of Death as a priest celebrating the wedding between a young woman and an ugly old man" offers a thought-provoking allegory on marriage and mortality. Created in 1816 for "The English Dance of Death" this macabre dance unfolds before our eyes. In this scene, we witness the contrast between youth and old age, beauty and ugliness. The young woman, dressed in elaborate costume, stands beside her groom - an elderly man with a comically grotesque appearance. As they exchange vows under the watchful eye of Death personified as a skeletal priest, we are reminded that even amidst joyous occasions like weddings, death is always present. Rowlandson's caricature-like style adds humor to this otherwise somber subject matter. The exaggerated features of both bride and groom emphasize their stark differences while eliciting laughter from viewers. Through his masterful engraving skills, Rowlandson captures the essence of human observation by highlighting societal norms surrounding beauty and aging. This print serves as an astute commentary on British society at the time - where marriages were often arranged for economic or social reasons rather than love. It also reflects broader themes such as the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. As we gaze upon this intriguing artwork today, it prompts us to reflect on our own cultural values surrounding marriage, beauty standards, and mortality. Rowlandson's work continues to resonate across centuries due to its ability to provoke contemplation about timeless aspects of human existence.
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