Two Genii with a Skull and Grasshoppers 1594

Nicolaes de Bruyn's 1594 engraving, *Two Genii with a Skull and Grasshoppers*, depicts two winged cherubs flanking a human skull. The cherubs, often associated with innocence, are juxtaposed with the skull, a traditional symbol of mortality. The artwork's intricate details, including grasshoppers and ornate scrollwork, are characteristic of de Bruyn's style, further enhancing the contrast between life and death. This small-scale engraving, measuring only 2 x 3 1/4 inches, serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life.