Death as Juggler 1918 - 1919

Here, Christian Rohlfs presents us with a stark, arresting image of Death as Juggler, a woodcut rendered with bold colors and graphic intensity. The skeletal figure, an age-old symbol of mortality, engages in a macabre dance, juggling what appear to be human skulls. This motif, of death as a performer, echoes throughout history, from medieval "danse macabre" imagery to more modern interpretations. In earlier times, the juggling might have served as a reminder of life's fragility, of the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. Consider how the skull— a symbol of death – is passed down through history, shifting in meaning. Its stark presence evokes intense emotional states, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Notice how Rohlfs presents a cyclical progression—how this potent symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new resonance across time.