Dust to Dust ("Et in pulverem reverteris") 1807 - 1845

"Dust to Dust ("Et in pulverem reverteris")" is a poignant etching created by Spanish artist Leonardo Alenza between 1807 and 1845. This artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a group of figures engaged in a solemn ritual, likely related to death or mortality. The stark lines and dark tones contribute to a sense of solemnity and evoke a powerful reminder of the inevitability of death. The Latin inscription "Et in pulverem reverteris," meaning "And you shall return to dust," further reinforces this theme of mortality. Alenza's work often explored themes of spirituality and human existence, and this etching serves as a compelling testament to his artistic vision.