Death and the Devil Surprising Two Women 1510 - 1520

This 16th century etching by Daniel Hopfer, "Death and the Devil Surprising Two Women," features a skeletal Death figure holding a skull and an hourglass, while a devil with wings and claws stands behind. Death is pointing towards the two women with his skeletal hand, seemingly warning of mortality. This work highlights the importance of memento mori, a theme popular during the Northern Renaissance which reminds viewers of their own mortality. The stark contrast between the delicate figures of the women and the grotesque representations of Death and the devil creates a visually jarring image.