The Duchess c. 16th century

Curator: It’s really eerie. All those precise little lines creating such a morbid scene. Editor: Indeed. What we're looking at is a woodcut known as "The Duchess" by Hans Holbein the Younger, who was active in the early 16th century. It is currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Curator: So, it’s Holbein, huh? You know, for me, this piece feels so visceral. Death playing the lute at the Duchess’s bedside – it’s like a dark lullaby. Editor: Holbein was quite interested in the theme of "Dance of Death." The black and white and the line work emphasize the starkness of death's presence, a social commentary on mortality, particularly for the wealthy. Curator: The dog at the bottom, though…there's a symbol of loyalty amidst all this decay. It makes you wonder about her life, her loves, her fears… beyond just a statement. Editor: That's the power of art, isn't it? Holbein invites us to ponder the universality of death, regardless of status. Curator: It's certainly stuck in my head. I'll need to think about this one for days. Editor: Absolutely. It's a chilling piece, a memento mori that resonates across centuries.