Dorthe Engelbrechtsdatter 1706

This 1706 etching by Andreas Reinhardt depicts Dorthe Engelbrechtsdatter, a prominent figure in Danish history, sitting at a table, pen in hand, with a skull and hourglass beside her. The image, a classic example of *memento mori* symbolism, reflects the fleeting nature of life and emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation for death. The inscription around the image in Danish reinforces this theme, highlighting the futility of earthly pursuits compared to the eternal soul. This small etching, part of the collection at SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, offers a glimpse into the values and anxieties of the 18th century.