Cartouche Moderne with Emblems of Death 

Johann Esaias Nilson’s “Cartouche Moderne with Emblems of Death” is a delicate and intricate etching that features a variety of symbolic elements representing mortality. The central figure of a cherub sits atop a tombstone, surrounded by funerary objects such as an hourglass, a skull, and a broken lyre. The cherub's position and the presence of these symbols allude to the inevitability of death, while the architectural elements and floral motifs suggest a sense of hope and renewal. The artwork is a reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring power of art.