The Promenade, c. 1497. Unbeknownst to this fashionable couple, the figure of Death lurks behind a tree in the background, awaiting his moment to overcome them. Encounters with Death were a common theme in art during the period and were meant to remind the viewer that one’s life was brief, no matter one’s status or wealth. Dürer combined this memento mori (remember death) message with a moral one concerning the dangers of love and lust. Although the couple’s relationship may appear innocent enough, the incorrect placement of the young man’s sword suggests disho
The Promenade, c. 1497. Unbeknownst to this fashionable couple, the figure of Death lurks behind a tree in the background, awaiting his moment to overcome them. Encounters with Death were a common theme in art during the period and were meant to remind the viewer that one’s life was brief, no matter one’s status or wealth. Dürer combined this memento mori (remember death) message with a moral one concerning the dangers of love and lust. Although the couple’s relationship may appear innocent enough, the incorrect placement of the young man’s sword suggests dishonorable motives, while the woman’s bonnet signifies her married status, making this secret liaison one of sinful infidelity brought on by carnal desire.
Size: 3408px × 5403px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1471-1528, 15th, albrecht, art, century, cleveland, engraving, german, germany, heritage, museum, print, renaissance, ürer
