Coat of Arms with a Skull, 1503. In this creative and technically stunning engraving, Dürer once again confronts the theme of lovers and Death. In this instance, Death’s abstract presence is conjured on a shield that only the viewer can see while his bodily presence takes the form of the wildman, a traditional medieval figure of virility, lust, and aggression. He supports a fantastical coat of arms while simultaneously playing the part of lover to an unsuspecting maiden who wears fashionable clothing meant for a celebration. Dürer’s allusion to high society combined wit

---

Coat of Arms with a Skull, 1503. In this creative and technically stunning engraving, Dürer once again confronts the theme of lovers and Death. In this instance, Death’s abstract presence is conjured on a shield that only the viewer can see while his bodily presence takes the form of the wildman, a traditional medieval figure of virility, lust, and aggression. He supports a fantastical coat of arms while simultaneously playing the part of lover to an unsuspecting maiden who wears fashionable clothing meant for a celebration. Dürer’s allusion to high society combined with the young woman’s illicit expectation of love presents an allegory for the dangers of vanity and lust, both of which have a mortal price.

---

Size: 3666px × 5050px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1471-1528, 16th, albrecht, art, century, cleveland, early, engraving, german, germany, heritage, museum, print, renaissance, ürer