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

Curator: Here we have Christian von Mechel's Plate One of Triumph of Death, Triumph of Divinity, Triumph of Poverty, housed in the Harvard Art Museums. It appears to be a compilation of engravings. What strikes you first? Editor: A touch grim, eh? The skeletal figures are… well, lively! But there’s a dance macabre vibe that makes you think twice about mortality and all that jazz. Curator: Indeed. Mechel was known for his engravings, and this piece reflects the period's fascination with mortality and the allegorical representation of virtues and vices. Editor: Allegory, sure. But look at the starkness! It’s like a reminder that even in divinity, even in poverty, death’s got its bony hands reaching. Morbid, but stylishly so! Curator: That’s a keen observation. The Triumph series was indeed a popular theme, exploring how death transcends worldly triumphs. It resonated deeply within the socio-political anxieties of the time. Editor: Anxieties never go out of style, do they? Makes you ponder what triumphs we're chasing, knowing the skeleton's always tuning up for a final jig! Curator: It certainly puts our fleeting pursuits into perspective. Editor: Exactly! Maybe a bit of skeleton-inspired mindfulness is what we all need!