Allegory on Melancholy, with a woman kneeling towards the left holding a skull 1729 - 1740

Henri Simon Thomassin's etching "Allegory on Melancholy" depicts a woman kneeling in contemplation, her face obscured by her hand while holding a skull in her lap. The scene is set against a backdrop of a ruined building and a celestial globe, hinting at themes of mortality and the ephemerality of life. This artwork, created between 1729 and 1740, is a powerful representation of the human condition, showcasing the profound contemplation of life and death. This etching is a fascinating example of Baroque artistic style and offers a glimpse into the philosophical and spiritual concerns of the 18th century.