Alfonso's death c. 1775 - 1779

Georg Melchior Kraus created this drawing titled "Alfonso's Death," now held in the Städel Museum. Here we see a dying man, perhaps a nobleman, his hands clasped in prayer as a woman watches over him. The motif of clasped hands has resonated across centuries. It signifies prayer and devotion, a gesture deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Consider the entombment scenes in Early Christian art, where the deceased are similarly depicted with hands folded. This pose isn't merely aesthetic; it's a powerful symbol of hope and supplication. Now, observe the grief in the woman's eyes. It mirrors countless depictions of mourning women from antiquity to the Renaissance, their sorrow echoing through time. Such recurring themes highlight the cyclical nature of human experience. These images tap into our primal emotions, revealing a powerful and timeless connection.