Old Couple and Death with Bagpipes 1612

This 1612 etching by Werner van den Valckert depicts a stark reminder of mortality. The artist's depiction of Death as a skeletal figure playing bagpipes at a table with an elderly couple emphasizes the inevitability of death, a common theme in Baroque art. The inscription below the scene adds a somber tone. This intricate print is a fine example of the Vanitas style, characterized by its focus on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of introspection.