Plate Three of Triumph of Death, Triumph of Divinity, Triumph of Poverty c. 18th century

Editor: This is Plate Three of Triumph of Death, Triumph of Divinity, Triumph of Poverty, by Christian von Mechel. The imagery is striking. What repeated symbols or visual cues do you notice in this plate? Curator: Notice how Death is not a singular event, but an active participant in life’s different stations. Mechel uses the skeleton as a recurring motif. It’s a powerful symbol, connecting us to the past, reminding us of our shared mortality. How do you interpret the skeleton's presence within these domestic scenes? Editor: I guess it is a reminder that even everyday life can lead to death? Curator: Precisely. The skeleton acts as a memento mori. It speaks to the ephemeral nature of earthly triumphs. Recognizing these symbolic repetitions is key to understanding the enduring power of this imagery. Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective! I didn’t consider the skeleton as a symbol carrying a cultural memory of mortality.