Ruiter en de Dood 1644

Hendrick Hondius I's etching, *Ruiter en de Dood* (Rider and Death) is a striking visual representation of death pursuing a man on horseback. Created in 1644, this artwork, now held in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the artist's skilled use of line and shadow to depict the drama of the scene. Death, riding a skeletal steed with wings, reaches out with a scythe toward the fleeing rider. The scene is further enhanced by the inscription in Dutch and Latin, emphasizing the inevitability of death. This small-scale etching offers a powerful reminder of mortality, showcasing the artist's artistic mastery in conveying a profound concept.