Richard II (from "Twelve Characters from Shakespeare") 1775

John Hamilton Mortimer created this print of Richard II in the late 18th century. We see a kingly figure, but look closer. Perched precariously on his turban is not just a crown, but also Death itself, wielding a bow and arrow. This skeleton figure is a "memento mori," a reminder of mortality, which has haunted art since antiquity. In medieval Europe, the Danse Macabre depicted skeletons leading the living to their graves, a stark reminder of life's fleeting nature, much like we see here. The arrow of death reminds us of the arrows of Eros—life and death are intertwined in a cosmic dance, a sentiment echoed in ancient mythologies. Notice how Richard averts his gaze, perhaps unwilling to confront his mortality. This avoidance speaks to a universal psychological tendency: our struggle to accept the inevitable end. Yet, by placing Death so prominently, Mortimer compels us to confront this truth. This symbol will continue to be present throughout time, as we will continuously come back to the fear of death.