Allegorie op de dood 1628 - 1670

"Allegorie op de dood" (Allegory of Death), an etching by Pieter de (II) Jode, depicts a young, nude child lying in repose with a skull at its feet, emphasizing the inevitability of death. Created between 1628 and 1670, this small-scale print (159 mm x 221 mm) showcases Jode's skill in rendering anatomical detail and conveying a poignant message of mortality. The soft light illuminating the scene highlights the child's peaceful slumber, creating a stark contrast with the skull, a memento mori. Currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, this work reflects the Dutch Baroque art movement's fascination with vanitas, a genre exploring the transience of earthly pleasures.